Transporting animals, whether pets, livestock, or horses, is a responsibility that requires adherence to strict regulations to ensure the welfare of the animals throughout their journey.
This guide outlines the essential requirements for anyone involved in animal transport, including pet relocation, livestock transport, and horse transport, within Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales).
Who Needs to Follow These Guidelines?
These regulations apply to anyone transporting animals as part of an economic activity, whether you’re moving your own animals or doing so on behalf of a third party. If multiple transporters are involved in different stages of the journey, each transporter is accountable for adhering to animal welfare regulations.
Key Requirements for Animal Transport
When transporting animals in Great Britain, you may need several authorizations and certificates, depending on the nature of your transport activities.
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Below is a breakdown of what you might need:
1. Transporter Authorization
If you’re transporting animals over 65km by road, air, rail, or sea, you must obtain a UK-issued transporter authorization. The type of authorization required depends on the journey’s duration:
- Type 1 Transporter Authorization: Required for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours.
- Type 2 Transporter Authorization: Necessary for journeys over 8 hours.
To apply for this authorization, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Ensure your application is submitted well in advance, as processing can take up to 10 working days. Transporter authorizations are valid for up to 5 years, and you must renew them before they expire. Always carry a copy of your Transporter authorization by DAERA during transport and provide it upon request.
2. Certificate of Competence
A certificate of competence is required if you’re transporting certain animals over 65km by road. This includes:
- Cattle, sheep, pigs, or goats
- Horses or other equines
- Poultry
If an attendant is responsible for the animals during transport, they must also hold a certificate of competence. This certificate is specific to your role, the journey length, and the species transported. Accredited course providers like City & Guilds Land Based Services, Lantra, or 1st4sport (for horses and equines) can help you obtain this certificate. Ensure you carry the block format certificate while transporting animals.
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3. Certificate of Vehicle Approval
For road transport of animals, a certificate of vehicle approval is necessary for journeys:
- Over 12 hours within Great Britain
- Over 8 hours to other countries
This applies if you’re transporting cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, or other equines. Contact certifying bodies like Logistics UK or NSF to arrange for vehicle inspection and certification. These certificates are valid for up to 5 years, unless the vehicle is modified in a way that affects animal welfare. Keep a copy of your certificate on hand during transport.
4. Animal Transport Certificate
You must maintain a written record, known as an animal transport certificate, documenting key details of the journey, including:
- Origin and ownership of the animals
- Departure and destination points
- Dates and times of departure
- Expected duration of the journey
Keep this certificate for at least 6 months after the journey ends and have it readily available upon request.
5. Navigation System
For lengthy journeys (over 12 hours within Great Britain or over 8 hours to other countries), your vehicle must be equipped with a navigation system. This system should record:
- The vehicle’s geographical position
- Departure and arrival times
- Duration of stops
- Loading and unloading activities
- Transporter’s name and authorization number
- Any injuries or deaths of animals during transport
Maintain these records for at least 3 years.
Ensuring Animal Welfare in Transport
Meeting animal welfare requirements is paramount during any transport. This includes adhering to proper handling practices, ensuring animals are fit for transport, and providing adequate space, ventilation, and care throughout the journey.
Conclusion
Whether you’re involved in pet transport, livestock transport, or horse transport, understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial. By securing the necessary authorizations and certificates, and maintaining accurate records, you not only adhere to legal requirements but also ensure the well-being of the animals in your care.
For expert assistance with animal transport, including pet relocation or livestock transport, contact professional animal shipping services. Ensure your transport journey is safe, compliant, and stress-free for your animals.
Original Sources: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transporting-animals-in-great-britain/
