What is the policy regarding travel with/ for a pet?
DEFA’s primary requirement regarding livestock or pet/horse travel to/from the Island is that they are accompanied by a person responsible for their welfare, usually their owner, who is available on the boat to attend the animal(s) if required. If the responsible person is transporting the animal(s) is a commercial service they must hold a Transporter Authorisation for that species under Isle of Man or UK Welfare of Animals (Transport) legislation.
Border Controls are regulated by the Cabinet Office and the advice at the present time is that Isle of Man residents should not travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
If it is absolutely necessary for you to travel with your pet then you should note and follow the travel instructions and requirements as set out for Isle of Man Residents.
It cannot be overemphasised that individuals planning to travel with their pet and/or horse will always be subject to the conditions put in place to protect Public Health.
Current border restrictions will mean that you will require a resident entry permit and number, and you will be subject to the required isolation and test regime.
Changes to the border policy will be determined by the risk to our community associated with travel to and from other jurisdictions.
Can I travel to the UK wait on board the boat, receive a pet (including horses) on board and then not have to self-isolate on return to the Isle of Man?
No. With the current levels of infection off island, picking up pets and horses is not essential and there is no way to completely avoid contact with others (person delivering pet to ferry, other ferry passengers travelling) so there is an unmitigable risk which for a non-essential journey is not appropriate. This applies even if a cabin is pre booked for the journey, and if the travel has been for veterinary requirements.
Therefore any individuals travelling with their pets and horses, like all travellers, must follow the instructions set out above and be prepared to self-isolate (separate to their household) when they return to the Island
Can I pay for a Pet Courier Service (professional licenced transporters UK or IOM based) to bring over my animal?
Any IOM based company must follow the travel instructions and requirements as set out for Isle of Man Residents. Current border restriction will mean that you will require a residents entry permit and number, and you will be subject to the required isolation and test regime (at a cost of £150).
Please note that the direction notice provided to you will not allow you to detour to ‘drop’ off any animals, you will be required to travel straight to your address of self-isolation. The direction notice also will not allow for another individual to come to collect anything (including animals) from them (at the port or at their accommodation) due to potential for risk of COVID-19 transmission during hand over. Therefore collection of the animal must be after the full isolation period is complete.
Any UK based companies, as non-residents of the Isle of Man, will be very unlikely to be eligible for travel – for more information please refer to the Borders framework.
Can someone else (IOM resident) travel to collect my pet for me?
As an IOM resident they will be required to follow the travel instructions and requirements as set out for Isle of Man Residents.
Current border restriction will mean that they will require a residents entry permit and number, and will be subject to the required isolation and test regime (at a cost of £150) – noting that they must self-isolate alone (separate to household members) or with those with whom they have travelled.
Please note that the direction notice provided to them will not allow them to detour to ‘drop’ off any animals, they will be required to travel straight to their address of self-isolation. The direction notice also will not allow for another individual to come to collect anything (including animals) from them (at the port or at their accommodation). Therefore collection of the animal must be after the full isolation period is complete.