The DSPCA is working with Custom Officers and An Garda Siochana at Dublin Port in a new operation to highlight the legal requirements for the movement of pets between Ireland, the UK and France.

Operation TOTO will highlight the legal requirements for the movement of pets between Ireland and other countries to prevent illegal puppy trade.

Pets that are traveling on board with people in their vehicles must hold a valid pet passport or a veterinary certificate (UK only).

They must also have a rabies vaccination, which means your pet must be 15 weeks or older to travel with you.

And pet must be microchipped with the chip registered to the owner.

A DSPCA spokesperson said: “As ever the DSCPA are thankful to Customs for their support in highlighting this issue to the traveling public and for their on going vigilance in addressing the illegal puppy trade from Ireland into the UK.

“We would also like to the thank the Department of Agriculture for their support in this important campaign.

“We are thankful to the traveling public for their cooperation and so far we are delighted to see that the majority of people boarding the ferries with their pets this week were compliant.”

According to Gov.ie, your pet dog, cat or ferret must arrive in Ireland with you, or within five days before or after you travel, if it is accompanied by a person authorised by you.

If any of the following situations apply to you your pet may not enter Ireland under pet travel rules:

• You are buying a dog, cat or ferret abroad and having it shipped to Ireland unaccompanied, that is, you are not going to collect it and travel home with it.
• Your pet is in another country and you want to have it shipped to Ireland unaccompanied, that is, you are not going to collect it and travel home with it.
• You are travelling to Ireland to buy, sell or gift a dog, cat or ferret, or if any change of ownership is involved after arrival, including delivery of a purchased or rehomed animal.
• If you are travelling with more than five pets.
• All pets must be accompanied by original paperwork, not copies.

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