Horse and pet passports

To prevent the spread of disease, all animal movements must be monitored.

Trading Standards' Animal Health Inspectors are responsible for issuing licences and record books for movement of livestock. For horse and pet passports, visit the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) links below.

Horse passports

All horses, ponies and donkeys must have animal passports. For more information about the regulations and how to apply for a horse passport visit the Defra website:

Importing rescue horses

Following concerns raised by the public and horse welfare organisations regarding Internet sites selling horses from abroad, Defra provides specialist guidance on the import of rescue horses:

Pet passports

The pet passport scheme (also known as PETS) allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets (also rabbits, rodents and a list of others) to enter or re-enter the UK from the EU and a selection of long-haul destinations without having to stay in quarantine.

For your pet to qualify, strict criteria must be met.

Alternatively, phone Pet Travel Scheme Helpline: +44 (0)870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday – 8am to 6pm UK time).

Cattle passports

Cattle must have individual passports which always accompany them when they are moved.

Find out more on our page keeping and moving livestock.