Moving to Ireland with Pets: Complete Guide to Pet Import Requirements

Bringing your pet to Ireland requires careful planning and compliance with EU pet travel regulations. Whether you’re moving with a dog, cat, or other animal, understanding the import requirements, documentation needs, approved travel routes, and costs is essential for a smooth transition for both you and your pet.

This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Ireland with pets: EU pet passport requirements, health certificates, microchipping, rabies vaccination rules, approved transport methods, quarantine regulations, costs involved, and what to expect when settling your pet in Ireland. We’ll also cover post-arrival considerations like finding vets, pet insurance, and pet-friendly accommodation.

Understanding Ireland’s pet import regulations

EU pet travel scheme basics

Ireland follows EU regulations:

• Part of EU Pet Travel Scheme
• Same rules as other EU countries
• Non-commercial pet movement allowed
• Maximum 5 pets per person per trip
• Commercial imports have different rules
• Stricter rules from non-EU countries

Key regulatory bodies:

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
• Veterinary Public Health Inspection Service
• Animal Health and Welfare Division
• Irish Customs Service
• EU Commission Animal Health regulations

Approved animals covered:

• Dogs (all breeds)
• Cats (all breeds)
• Ferrets
• Rabbits (with specific conditions)
• Other pets require special permits

What you cannot bring:

• Pit Bull Terrier types (restricted breeds)
• Dogs under 15 weeks old without rabies vaccination
• Animals without proper documentation
• Wildlife or endangered species
• Farm animals (different regulations apply)

Two routes: EU vs non-EU countries

From EU countries (easier process):

• Pet passport valid
• No advance notification required
• No blood tests needed
• No quarantine required
• Can use any entry point
• Can travel by any approved means

From non-EU countries (more complex):

• Health certificate required
• Advance notification mandatory
• Blood test required (rabies antibody test)
• 3-month waiting period
• Must use approved routes only
• Additional documentation needed

The rest of this guide covers both routes, with specific sections highlighting differences where they exist.

Core requirements for all pets

1. Microchip (mandatory)

Microchip specifications:

• ISO 11784 or 11785 compliant chip
• Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
• 15-digit identification number
• Implanted by licensed veterinarian
• Microchip must be readable with standard scanner
• If non-ISO chip, bring your own scanner

Important: Microchip must be in place before any other pet travel documentation steps. If your pet was vaccinated against rabies before being microchipped, they must be re-vaccinated.

2. Rabies vaccination (mandatory)

Vaccination requirements:

• Must be done after microchipping
• Valid vaccine approved in your country
• At least 21 days before travel
• Vaccination must be current (not expired)
• First vaccination requires 21-day wait
• Booster vaccines provide immediate coverage if given within validity period

Vaccination validity:

• Depends on vaccine manufacturer guidelines
• Usually 1-3 years
• Must be valid on arrival date
• Keep detailed vaccination records
• Vet must complete documentation
• Certificate must specify vaccine details

Puppies and kittens:

• Must be at least 12 weeks old for vaccination
• Cannot travel until 21 days post-vaccination
• Minimum travel age: 15 weeks
• Plan timing carefully
• No exceptions to minimum age rules

3. Documentation requirements

From EU countries - Pet Passport:

• Official EU Pet Passport
• Issued by authorized veterinarian
• Contains microchip number
• Records rabies vaccination details
• Confirms fitness to travel
• Must be carried during travel
• Valid throughout EU

From non-EU countries - Health Certificate:

• Official veterinary health certificate
• Specific format required (EU model)
• Issued within 10 days of travel
• Must be endorsed by government authority
• Includes all required treatments
• Original certificate required
• May need translation

Additional documentation:

• Proof of ownership
• Travel booking confirmations
• Import permit (if required)
• Treatment records (tapeworm for dogs)
• Airline-specific forms
• Pet insurance documents (recommended)

Additional requirements from non-EU countries

Blood test for rabies antibodies

Who needs this:

• Pets traveling from non-EU countries
• First-time travelers from non-EU locations
• Any pet without EU pet passport

Blood test process:

• Must be taken 30+ days after rabies vaccination
• Performed by approved laboratory
• Tests for rabies antibody levels
• Must show ≥0.5 IU/ml
• Results valid for life (if vaccination kept current)
• No repeat needed if requirements maintained

Timing is critical:

1. Microchip implanted (Day 0)
2. Rabies vaccination (Day 0 or later)
3. Wait 30 days
4. Blood test taken (Day 30+)
5. Wait for results (1-2 weeks)
6. Wait 3 months from blood sample date
7. Can travel to Ireland

Total timeline: Minimum 4 months from start to travel date.

Three-month waiting period

Why it exists:

• Ensures rabies vaccination effective
• Protects Ireland’s rabies-free status
• EU regulation requirement
• Non-negotiable timeline
• Start planning early

Waiting period rules:

• Starts from blood sample date
• Not from vaccination date
• Must be completed before travel
• No exceptions or expedited process
• Plan accordingly for moving date

Approved routes of entry

From non-EU countries, you must use:

Approved sea ports:

• Dublin Port
• Cork Port
• Ringaskiddy Ferry Port (Cork)

Approved airports:

• Dublin Airport
• Cork Airport
• Shannon Airport

You cannot enter through:

• Land border from Northern Ireland (if coming from non-EU)
• Unapproved ports or airports
• Private vessels or aircraft
• Indirect routes through Northern Ireland

Advance notification:

• Must notify DAFM at least 24 hours before arrival
• Email: liveimports@agriculture.gov.ie
• Include: pet details, travel details, entry point
• Keep confirmation of notification
• Required for non-EU imports only

Transport methods and carriers

Flying with pets to Ireland

Airlines serving Ireland with pet policies:

Aer Lingus:

• Small pets in cabin (under 8kg including carrier)
• Larger pets in hold as checked baggage
• Service animals accommodated
• Advance booking required
• Fee: €60-€90 each way (cabin)
• Website: aerlingus.com

Ryanair:

• Does not accept pets (except service animals)
• Assistance dogs only
• Not an option for pet transport

British Airways:

• Cabin pets not allowed
• Hold transport available
• Routes via London
• Advance booking essential
• Website: britishairways.com

KLM:

• Pets in cabin (under 8kg)
• Larger pets in hold
• Good reputation for pet transport
• Routes via Amsterdam
• Website: klm.com

Lufthansa:

• Comprehensive pet program
• Cabin and hold options
• Routes via Frankfurt/Munich
• Pet-specific booking service
• Website: lufthansa.com

Pet travel tips:

• Book pet transport when booking your ticket
• Confirm pet acceptance 72 hours before flight
• Arrive early at airport
• Use approved travel carrier (IATA compliant)
• No food 4 hours before flight
• Water available in carrier
• Label carrier with contact information

Ferry travel with pets

Ferry routes to Ireland:

Irish Ferries:

• Pets allowed in designated pet-friendly cabins
• Cannot remain in vehicles during crossing
• Dogs, cats, and ferrets accepted
• Routes: Dublin-Holyhead, Rosslare-Pembroke
• Advance booking required
• Website: irishferries.com

Stena Line:

• Pet-friendly cabins available
• Kennels on some routes
• Routes: Dublin-Holyhead, Belfast-Cairnryan
• Must book pet accommodation
• Website: stenaline.com

Brittany Ferries:

• Pet-friendly cabins
• Routes: Cork-Roscoff (France)
• Good for EU pet passport holders
• Website: brittanyferries.com

Ferry travel advantages:

• Less stressful for pets than flying
• Pet stays with you (in cabin)
• Can check on pet during journey
• Good option from UK or France
• More space and comfort

Professional pet transport services

When to consider:

• Complex travel arrangements
• Nervous pet owners
• Multiple pets
• Oversized or unusual pets
• Non-commercial but bulk transport

Pet shipping companies:

• Air Animal Pet Movers
• Pet Air UK
• Animalcouriers
• IAG World Cargo
• Handle all documentation and logistics
• Door-to-door service available
• Cost: €500-€3,000+ depending on distance and pet size

Costs of moving pets to Ireland

Essential expenses

Veterinary costs:

• Microchip: €30-€60
• Rabies vaccination: €40-€80
• EU Pet Passport: €40-€80 (EU countries)
• Health certificate: €80-€200 (non-EU)
• Government endorsement: €30-€100 (non-EU)
• Blood test: €100-€200 (non-EU)
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs): €20-€50

Transport costs:

• Airline cabin pet fee: €60-€150 each way
• Airline hold pet fee: €100-€300 each way
• Ferry pet-friendly cabin supplement: €20-€80
• Travel carrier (IATA approved): €40-€200
• Professional pet shipper: €500-€3,000+

Total cost estimates:

• From EU country: €300-€800
• From non-EU country: €800-€2,000+
• Emergency situations or complex cases: Higher

Post-arrival costs in Ireland

Settling in:

• Veterinary registration: €50-€80 (initial visit)
• Pet insurance: €20-€80 monthly
• Pet license (dogs): €20 annually
• Food and supplies: €50-€200 monthly
• Grooming: €30-€80 per session
• Boarding/daycare: €15-€40 per day

Specific animal requirements

Dogs

Tapeworm treatment (required):

• Must be given 24-120 hours before entry to Ireland
• Praziquantel-based treatment
• Administered by licensed vet
• Documented in pet passport or health certificate
• Applies to dogs only (not cats)
• Required from all countries

Restricted breeds:

• Pit Bull Terrier types restricted
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Check current restrictions before moving
• May require special license

Dog licensing in Ireland:

• All dogs must be licensed
• Annual license: €20
• Lifetime license: €140
• Available from post offices or online
• Reduced rates for older dogs
• Required by law

Cats

Generally simpler than dogs:

• No tapeworm treatment required
• No breed restrictions
• No licensing required in Ireland
• All other core requirements apply
• Same microchip and vaccination rules
• Popular pet choice for apartments

Ferrets

Permitted but less common:

• Follow same rules as cats and dogs
• Microchip required
• Rabies vaccination required
• EU pet passport or health certificate
• Limited transport options (check airline policies)
• Specialist vet care may be harder to find in Ireland

Rabbits and other pets

Rabbits:

• Can be imported from EU with pet passport
• From non-EU: special permit required
• Less common to import
• Transport considerations
• Stress can be dangerous for rabbits

Birds:

• Strict regulations
• Special import license required
• Quarantine likely required
• Check with DAFM before planning
• Not covered by standard pet travel scheme

Reptiles and exotic pets:

• Individual licenses required
• CITES permits for endangered species
• Contact DAFM for specific guidance
• May require quarantine
• Specialist vet care essential

Finding accommodation with pets

Rental market challenges

Reality of pet-friendly rentals:

• Many landlords don’t allow pets
• Pet-friendly listings limited
• Usually need to pay additional deposit
• Cats easier to place than dogs
• Large dogs most difficult
• Be prepared to offer higher deposit

Finding pet-friendly accommodation:

• Daft.ie (filter for “pets allowed”)
• Rent.ie (pet-friendly filter)
• MyHome.ie
• Private landlord websites
• Facebook groups specifically for pet owners
• Consider longer-term rentals (landlords more flexible)

What to expect:

• Additional €200-€500 deposit for pets
• Monthly pet rent: €20-€50 sometimes charged
• Proof of pet insurance may be required
• References from previous landlords helpful
• Professional cleaning required at move-out
• Documentation of pet behavior/training helpful

Tips for securing pet-friendly rental:

• Get references from previous landlords
• Offer higher deposit
• Provide pet CV (vaccination records, training certificates)
• Show pet insurance policy
• Offer to have carpets professionally cleaned
• Be upfront about pet in all communications
• Consider ground floor or garden apartments

Living with pets in Ireland

Veterinary care in Ireland

Finding a vet:

• Many excellent veterinary practices
• Both independent and chain vets
• No referral needed
• Register with local vet upon arrival
• Initial consultation: €50-€80
• Emergency care available 24/7 in cities

Major vet chains:

• My Vet (multiple locations)
• Petmania veterinary clinics
• Care Veterinary Group
• Independent practices widely available

Pet insurance:

• Highly recommended
• Monthly cost: €20-€80
• Covers accidents, illness, surgery
• Some policies cover routine care
• Compare policies carefully
• Pre-existing conditions typically excluded

Common providers:

• Allianz Pet Insurance
• Petinsurance.ie
• Purely Pets
• Animal Friends

Dog-friendly Ireland

Public spaces:

• Dogs allowed in most parks
• Must be on leash in public areas
• Off-leash dog parks in major cities
• Not allowed on beaches during summer months (some locations)
• Welcome in many outdoor cafés
• Check specific venue policies

Dog services:

• Dog walking services available
• Doggy daycare in cities
• Grooming services widely available
• Training classes offered
• Dog-friendly hotels increasing
• Pet-sitting services via Pawshake, TrustedHousesitters

Dog waste responsibilities:

• Pick up after your dog (legally required)
• Fines for not cleaning up: Up to €150
• Disposal bins in most public areas
• Bags often provided in parks
• Social expectation to clean up
• Environmental responsibility important

Cat ownership in Ireland

Indoor vs outdoor cats:

• Many Irish cats allowed outdoors
• Indoor cats becoming more common
• Garden access desirable in rentals
• Catios (cat patios) gaining popularity
• Consider traffic and safety
• Microchipping prevents loss

Cat-specific considerations:

• No licensing required
• Spaying/neutering recommended
• Flea and tick prevention essential
• Irish climate generally cat-friendly
• Catteries for boarding when traveling

Bringing pets from specific countries

From the United Kingdom

Post-Brexit considerations:

• UK now treated as non-EU country (except Northern Ireland)
• Need health certificate, not pet passport
• Blood test required
• 3-month waiting period applies
• Approved routes only
• Plan minimum 4 months ahead

Exception - Northern Ireland:

• Northern Ireland still follows EU rules
• Can enter Ireland from NI without restrictions
• Same rules as when UK was in EU
• Land border accessible

From the United States

US to Ireland process:

• Non-EU country rules apply
• USDA health certificate required
• Rabies blood test mandatory
• 3-month waiting period
• Major airlines fly direct (Aer Lingus, United, Delta)
• Plan 4+ months in advance

Tips for US pet owners:

• Work with USDA accredited vet
• Get USDA endorsement at least 10 days before travel
• Use approved laboratory for blood test
• Direct flights reduce stress
• Consider time difference for arrival timing

From Canada

Similar to US process:

• Health certificate from CFIA
• Blood test required
• 3-month wait period
• No direct flights (connect via US or UK)
• Consider routing carefully
• Extra documentation may be needed

From Australia/New Zealand

Long-distance challenges:

• Longest journey for pets
• Usually requires connecting flights
• Blood test required
• 3-month wait
• Consider pet’s ability to handle journey
• Discuss with vet before deciding
• Professional pet shippers often recommended

From EU countries

Simplest process:

• EU Pet Passport valid
• No blood test
• No waiting period
• Can enter any way
• Just need microchip and current rabies vaccination
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs
• Straightforward and quick

Common questions and concerns

What if my pet doesn’t meet requirements?

Options if non-compliant:

• Pet will be refused entry
• Must return to origin country (at your expense)
• Potential quarantine (rare, expensive)
• No exceptions to the rules
• Better to delay travel than risk it

Can I bring my pet temporarily?

Short visits:

• Same rules apply
• No simplified process for tourism
• Pet passport or health certificate required
• Consider whether worth the cost and stress
• Many opt to leave pet at home with care

What about service and emotional support animals?

Service animals:

• Assistance dogs must meet same import requirements
• No exemptions from microchip, vaccination, documentation
• Airlines may have specific policies
• Guide Dogs Ireland can provide information
• Plan ahead just like with pets

Emotional support animals:

• Not legally recognized category in Ireland
• No special privileges or exemptions
• Treated as regular pets
• Not allowed in places pets not allowed
• Check airline policies (increasingly restrictive)

What if my pet has health issues?

Chronic conditions:

• Ensure medication available in Ireland
• Bring prescription and vet records
• Identify vet before arrival
• Check medication regulations
• Some medications may need import permission
• Discuss with Irish vet in advance if possible

Additional resources

Government agencies:

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: agriculture.gov.ie
• Pet travel information: gov.ie/pet-travel
• Import notifications: liveimports@agriculture.gov.ie
• Veterinary Public Health Inspection Service

Pet services:

• Veterinary Ireland: veterinaryireland.ie (find a vet)
• Pets.ie community and classifieds
• Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA)
• Dogs Trust Ireland

Practical guides:

• Finding accommodation with pets
• Cost of living including pet expenses
• Healthcare system (vet care overview)

Moving to Ireland with your pet requires advance planning, compliance with regulations, and realistic budgeting. Start the process at least 4-6 months before your intended move date, work with qualified veterinarians, keep meticulous records, and use approved transport routes.

While the process involves costs and logistics, many pet owners successfully relocate to Ireland with their animals. Ireland is generally pet-friendly, with good veterinary care, plenty of outdoor spaces, and a culture that appreciates animals. The effort invested in properly importing your pet ensures their safety, your peace of mind, and compliance with regulations protecting Ireland’s animal health status.