Welfare of animals in transport

Animal welfare during transport is regulated by EC Regulation 1/2005, implemented on the Isle of Man through the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 2007, and similar legislation in the UK.

Key points

• Applies to transport by road, rail, sea, and air for all animals (vertebrate and invertebrate)
  
  
• Animals must be transported without causing injury or undue suffering.

Transport Authorisation Vertebrate Animals (Economic Activity)

• Transporter Authorisation document is required for journeys over 65 km (e.g., Isle of Man to GB/Ireland)
  
  
• Applies to all vertebrates; extra rules for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, poultry
  
  
• Road Transporters must hold a certificate of competence for livestock transportation, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry and horses

Such transport would most likely include journeys undertaken by:

• Commercial hauliers
  
  
• Farmers
  
  
• Anyone transporting pet animals, where the movements are related to an economic activity (i.e. a business) for example, commercial pet breeders, rescue or rehoming organisations, dog racing, those taking part in filming e.g. advertisements which involve financial gain
  
  
• Pet couriers; including where pet animals are accompanied by their owner if the person responsible for the transport has been paid
  
  
• Professional horse riders / jockeys, including those sponsored to compete
  
  
• Transporters where animals are transported to be sold as part of a business
  
  
• Zoos and leisure parks
  
  
• Anyone transporting laboratory animals (but fitness to travel provisions do not apply when the animals are taking part in an authorised research project) in all circumstances
  
  
• Horses practically, this requires Isle of Man residents who transport horses off island for any of the purposes listed above to have a transporter authorisation and a certificate of competence

The EU Regulation does notapply to the transport of animals when this is not in connection with an economic activity This will include:

• Pet animals that are transported by their owner on a private journey
  
  
• Pet animals, e.g. taken to or from a specialist show or competition and the primary purpose is for pleasure rather than part of a business
  
  
• Horses and ponies transported by their owner for the purpose of riding, showing or competing for pleasure; however, professional riders (e.g. FEI riders) and their animals competing at races, professional eventing or shows to offer animals for sale will fall within the scope of the Regulations
  
  
• Individuals attending shows or competitions primarily for pleasure who share the burden of transport, e.g. petrol costs, but there is no profit made by the individual undertaking the transport
  
  
• Transporting animals directly to, or from, a veterinary practice or clinic, under the advice of a vet
  
  
• Transportation of Pets – either as the owner or as part of an economic activity, does not require a certificate of competence, however a transporter authorisation is required if the transport is part of an economic activity

Journey Types

• Short (65 km – <8 hrs): Type 1 Authorisation required
  
  
• Long (>8 hrs): Type 2 Authorisation + vehicle inspection (road)

A summary of the requirements can be found on the UK government website. For more detailed guidance documents, see the gov.wales webpage: Welfare of animals during transport. There is also additional guidance transporting animals in hot weather available in the 'downloadable documents' section of this page. These requirements/ guidance are all equivalent/ applicable on the Isle of Man, however, when reading this information, please note the following with relation to the Isle of Man.

Isle of Man Specifics

• Enforced by DEFA
  
  
• Authorisations issued by DEFA (contact Animal Health for forms)
  
  
• Certificate of Competence required for livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, goats), poultry and horses
  
  
• Several Type 1 and Type 2 road transporters authorised
  
  
• If contracting transport, ensure transporter holds:
• Authorisation for species
  
  
• Certificate of Competence
  
  
• Documents available for inspection

One Type 2 sea transporter authorised: Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

• UK and Isle of Man authorisations are mutually valid
  
  
• UK publishes a list of Type 2 authorised transporters

Type 1 Authorisation and certificate of competence in block format must be available for inspection by officers of the Department, and for inspectors in the UK, during transport of animals. You should carry a copy in each vehicle at all times, to allow Isle of Man and UK inspectors’ sight of the document if requested.

Transporter Authorisations are currently free of charge from DEFA (they are valid for 5 years), however there is a fee associated with gaining a certificate of competence

To apply for a certificate of competence you will need to complete an online assessment. Please contact UCM to register and enrol. The awarding bodies are Lantra and City & Guilds NPTC

UCM can also be contacted by: Telephone: +44 1624 648200 or Email: adultlearning@ucm.ac.im

If you have already done the assessment and require a copy of your certificate of competence, please contact your course provider who will be able to provide you a copy at a cost.

If you previously gained your Certificate of Competence, via a course run at DEFA in 2007/8 the certificates were issued via City and Guilds. City and Guilds can supply replacement certificates for a cost. You can contact the Customer Support team on 0247 685 7300 or information@cityandguilds.com

For further information on Welfare of Animals in Transport or to apply for a Transporter Authorisation, please contact:

Updated 5 February 2026