Commercial vs Non-commercial Pet Travel
- A non-commercial movement is defined as 'any movement which does not have as its aim either the sale or the transfer of ownership of a pet animal'. For example, an owner travelling on the ferry to Guernsey with their pet dog is classed as a non-commercial movement.
- Movements of pets, which do not fall within the definition of 'non-commercial movement' are classed as commercial imports.
- This includes all rescue charities that import pets for rehoming in the Bailiwick.
- Such movements are highly regulated because this is classified as trade.
Non-Commercial EU Pet Movements
- The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) defines a 'pet animal' as a dog, cat or ferret, accompanied by their owner or a natural person responsible for the animal during their movement, not intended to be sold or transferred to another owner.
- These movements can occur using approved carriers and approved routes.
- Entries into importing countries have to pass through 'travellers points of entry' (TPE).
- A maximum of five pets at a time can accompany an owner under PETS rules.
- An authorised person can accompany the pets, but the owner has to be reunited with their pets within 5 days of both the owner and pet travelling.
- More information on pet movements can be found here.
Commercial Pet Movements
- As well as meeting the PETS requirements above, there are additional requirements for commercial movements as follows:
- Importer must apply for an import licence.
- An application form is available here.
- Commercial pet movements from the EU must comply with and be accompanied by an 'export health certificate' (EHC) issued by an authorised vet in the exporting country. This will include:
- departure from a holding registered with the EU Member State of origin;
- a clinical examination within 48 hours of dispatch from the holding which is carried out by a vet authorised by the competent authority who certifies that the animals are free of contagious disease and are fit and healthy to travel;
- import into a destination address (not necessarily registered).
- Importers must complete an animal import notification at least 24 hours prior to arrival in Guernsey.
- When transporting animals commercially by sea, air or road in the EU/UK transporters must have an EU/UK transport authorisation.
- Commercial animal movements to/from the EU must come through a border control post.
Off Island Traders / Hawkins Licence
- Vendors travelling to Guernsey to sell animals may have to apply for an 'Off Island Traders Licence' or a 'Hawkers Licence'.
- Follow this link for further information.
