Crossing the Irish Sea with a pet requires extra care, especially with the unique 2026 regulations now in place. Transporting a pet between Northern Ireland and the UK mainland involves navigating the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme (NIPTS) and ensuring your courier is licensed by both DEFRA (UK) and DAERA (Northern Ireland).
Whether you're moving a pet to Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, or across the water to the mainland, here are the top 5 verified pet transport companies for Northern Ireland in 2026.
The Best Pet Transport Companies in Northern Ireland
1. Exec Pets (Belfast Division) – Best for Luxury & Owner Travel
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (Military-Grade Professionalism)
📍 Location: Serving Belfast, Lisburn, and International Routes
🔗 Website: execpets.co.uk/pet-transport-belfast
The Real Deal: Exec Pets is a standout for 2026, offering a premium "chauffeur" experience in customized Mercedes Vito vehicles. They are unique in offering "Pet and Owner" transport, allowing you to stay with your pet during the journey. Their drivers have military backgrounds and hold diplomas in Pet Psychology and Nutrition.
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Key Features: State-of-the-art GPS tracking, CCTV monitoring, and dual temperature controls.
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Estimated Price: Local Belfast trips from £65; Belfast to London (including ferry) approx. £550–£850.
2. DL Pet Transport – Best for VIP Mainland Transfers
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (DAERA & DEFRA Licensed)
📍 Location: Serving All Northern Ireland & UK Mainland
🔗 Website: dlpettransport.com
The Real Deal: Based in Scotland but running regular routes to Northern Ireland, DL Pet Transport specializes in door-to-door VIP service. They are fully compliant with the latest 2026 DAERA regulations. They operate on a "solo family" policy, meaning they never mix pets from different households, significantly reducing stress for your pet.
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Key Features: Compassionate family-run team, real-time tracking, and experts in navigating the Belfast/Larne ferry routes.
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Estimated Price: Custom quotes for NI-to-Mainland transfers typically range from £400–£750.
3. Pets on Board – Best for Dublin/Belfast to International
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (IATA Accredited)
📍 Location: Serving Belfast & Dublin Airports
🔗 Website: pets-on-board.ie
The Real Deal: While based in Dublin, they are the premier choice for Northern Ireland residents looking for international relocation. They handle all the 2026 "Pet Travel Document" paperwork and are experts at the Belfast-to-Mainland logistics. Their reviews consistently praise their communication and "above and beyond" care.
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Key Features: IATA-approved flight crates, expert paperwork handling, and dedicated airport check-in assistance.
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Estimated Price: International relocation packages from £600+; Ground transport quotes on request.
4. Move My Pet – Best for Regional UK Reliability
⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (DEFRA Type 2 Authorized)
📍 Location: Serving Northern Ireland and Mainland UK
🔗 Website: movemypet.co.uk
The Real Deal: Move My Pet is a long-distance specialist that treats your pets as if they were their own. They are fully Type 2 licensed, which is legally required for the long-duration journeys involved in crossing between NI and the UK mainland. Their vans are fitted with advanced climate control and video monitoring systems.
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Key Features: Pet First Aid trained staff, unmarked vehicles for security, and high-spec hygiene protocols.
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Estimated Price: NI to London or Midlands typically quoted at £1.30–£1.50 per mile plus ferry costs.
5. Animals at Home (NI) – Best for Short-Distance & Vet Taxis
⭐ 4.8 / 5.0 (Professional Animal Ambulance)
📍 Location: Serving Greater Belfast and County Antrim
🔗 Website: animalsathome.co.uk
The Real Deal: This is the best choice for local transport within Northern Ireland. Their "Animal Ambulance" is designed to veterinary standards, making it perfect for elderly pets or those with medical needs. All drivers are trained in pet handling and first aid, providing a safer alternative to a standard taxi.
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Key Features: Bespoke animal accommodation, oxygen-ready vehicles, and DBS-checked handlers.
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Estimated Price: Local pet taxi from £45; emergency call-outs starting at £80+ mileage.
🛳️ 2026 Travel Requirements (GB to NI)
As of June 2025, the rules for traveling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have simplified for residents:
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NI Pet Travel Document: A free, lifelong document required for GB residents moving pets to NI.
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Microchip: Must be fitted and scanned before travel.
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Commercial Transport: If using a courier, you must provide a signed authorization form.
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No Rabies Jab: Required only if you are traveling onwards from NI into the Republic of Ireland or the EU.
