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<p>The UK has been formally ‘listed’ as a ‘Part 2’ third country for the purposes
of the EU pet travel regulations, which means that new rules apply to pet movements
from Great Britain to the EU and also – under the Northern Ireland Protocol – to the
non-commercial movements of pets into Northern Ireland. The health and documentary
requirements for such pet travel are set out under the EU Pet Travel Regulations;
there are no derogations for assistance dogs under these regulations.</p><p> </p><p>We
will continue to press the European Commission on securing Part 1 listed status and
in regaining recognition of our freedom from the tapeworm <em>Echinococcus multilocularis</em>,
as achieving these would alleviate some of these new requirements for pet owners and
assistance dog users. We meet all the animal health requirements for this, and we
have one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe to protect our biosecurity.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is engaging with the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to explore means to streamline pet travel between
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, recognising the high standards of animal health
that we share. Current guidance on pet travel to Northern Ireland is available on
DAERA’s NIDirect website. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has also written
to the European Vice-President seeking to ensure that an agreement can be made to
address the barriers imposed on pet travel between Great Britain, Northern Ireland
and Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>We are proactively engaging with the assistance dog community
and relevant stakeholders on the impacts on dog movements from Great Britain to the
EU and to Northern Ireland. We will continue to work closely with assistance dog organisations
to share the latest advice and guidance (in accessible formats) with their members
on pet travel requirements.</p>
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