Transporting Animals in Great Britain: Key Documents and Records



When it comes to transporting animals in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), there are specific regulations that ensure animal welfare and safety. Whether you're transporting animals for yourself or on behalf of others, it's essential to understand the legal obligations and required documentation to comply with animal welfare laws. This guide covers the necessary certifications and approvals, ensuring you meet all requirements during the transport process.

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Who is Considered a Transporter?

For this guidance, a "transporter" refers to anyone who moves animals, either for themselves or for a third party, as part of an economic activity. If multiple transporters are involved in different parts of the journey, each one is responsible for complying with the regulations regarding animal welfare during transport.

Key Documents and Certifications You May Need

To transport animals in Great Britain, you’ll need to check if you require the following:

  • Transporter authorisation
  • Certificate of competence
  • Certificate of vehicle approval
  • Animal transport certificate
  • Navigation system (for certain journey durations)

Transporter Authorisation

If you’re transporting animals over 65km (by air, road, rail, or sea), you must have a UK-issued transporter authorisation. The type of authorisation you need depends on the journey's length:

  • Type 1 Transporter Authorisation: For journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours.
  • Type 2 Transporter Authorisation: For journeys over 8 hours.

You can apply for transporter authorisation through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Be sure to submit your application well in advance, as processing can take up to 10 working days. The authorisation is valid for up to 5 years, so plan ahead for renewals.

Transporter authorisations issued by DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) are also valid in Great Britain. Make sure to carry a copy of your authorisation whenever you’re transporting animals, as you may be required to show it upon request.

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Certificate of Competence

If you transport animals over 65km by road, and you’re moving any of the following animals, you must have a certificate of competence:

  • Cattle, sheep, pigs, or goats
  • Horses or other equines
  • Poultry

Any attendant traveling with you must also have a certificate of competence. The certificate is specific to your role, the length of the journey, and the species being transported. To obtain one, contact an accredited course provider, such as City & Guilds Land Based Services, Lantra, or 1st4sport (for equines only).

Make sure to carry a copy of your certificate in block format during transport, and have it ready for inspection if needed.

Recognition of International Qualifications

If you have a qualification from countries like the Republic of Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, or Switzerland, you can apply for a UK certificate of competence by providing proof of your training and a valid certificate.

Conversely, if you hold a certificate from Great Britain and wish to apply for an EU equivalent, contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in Ireland.

Certificate of Vehicle Approval (For Road Transport)

For journeys exceeding 12 hours within Great Britain, or 8 hours to other countries, you must have a certificate of vehicle approval for transporting:

  • Cattle, sheep, pigs, or goats
  • Horses or other equines

To receive this certificate, contact certifying bodies like Logistics UK or NSF to arrange for a vehicle inspection. The certificate is valid for up to 5 years unless the vehicle undergoes modifications affecting animal welfare. Keep a copy of your certificate with you at all times.

For air transport, you can find more information on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website.

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Animal Transport Certificate

This written document serves as a record of the animals' transport details, including:

  • The animals' origin and ownership
  • Place and time of departure
  • Intended destination
  • Expected duration of the journey

You must carry this certificate with you during the journey and retain a copy for at least 6 months after the trip concludes.

Navigation System

For journeys longer than 12 hours within Great Britain or 8 hours outside, your vehicle must be equipped with a navigation system that tracks:

  • The vehicle’s geographical location
  • Departure and arrival times
  • Stops and their duration
  • Loading and unloading times
  • Number of animals transported and any incidents of injury or death

Keep records from the navigation system for at least 3 years.

Ensuring Animal Welfare During Transport

Transporting animals is a serious responsibility, and compliance with animal welfare regulations is crucial. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the guidelines on how to properly care for animals during transit to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of the animals in your care.

For more detailed information on required documents and animal welfare standards when transporting animals to, from, or within Great Britain, ensure you're fully informed before setting off on any journey.

Need to transport livestock across the UK or internationally? Our livestock transport services meet all animal welfare standards. 

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