Pet Transport from the UK to Ireland: An Easier Route Than You Might Expect
The UK to Ireland route has an unusual set of rules. Ireland is an EU member but shares the Common Travel Area with the UK, which creates a different situation than most UK-to-EU moves. For most travellers, it is simpler than moving to France or Spain – but there are nuances to understand.
Ireland’s Position: EU Member, Not Schengen
Ireland is an EU member but not part of the Schengen Area (it opted out). This means:
- EU pet travel rules apply (microchip, rabies vaccination)
- Ireland has its own border controls
- The Northern Ireland / Republic of Ireland border is a special case
What You Need to Move from Great Britain to Ireland
Since Brexit, pets moving from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to the Republic of Ireland are moving from a non-EU country into an EU member state. The requirements are:
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
- Rabies vaccination – current, administered at least 21 days before first EU entry if a new vaccine
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or valid EU-issued Pet Passport
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) – 1 to 5 days before arrival in Ireland, recorded in the AHC
The AHC must be issued by a UK Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of the pet’s arrival in Ireland.
Northern Ireland to Republic of Ireland
This route is different. Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland maintains EU single market alignment for animal and plant products. Pets moving from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland may use EU Pet Passports issued in Northern Ireland. This is a complex area – contact DAERA (Northern Ireland) and DAFM (Republic of Ireland) for current guidance if this applies to you.
Ferry Routes and What to Expect
The main ferry routes are practical and pet-friendly:
Holyhead to Dublin (Irish Ferries, Stena Line): 3.5 to 4 hour crossing. Pets travel in the vehicle deck in your car, or in the ship’s pet kennel area if you are a foot passenger.
Fishguard to Rosslare (Stena Line): approximately 3.5 hours. Same arrangements.
Pembroke to Rosslare (Irish Ferries): approximately 4 hours.
Pre-book your pet’s place. Ferry operators have a limited number of pet kennels for foot passengers. If you are driving, your pet stays in your vehicle – a much calmer option.
Irish Registration
Once in Ireland, dogs must be licensed annually (under the Control of Dogs Act 1986). Your local county council manages this. Microchip registration in the Republic of Ireland is managed through the national microchip database – update your details when you arrive.
Useful Contacts
- DAFM Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine): gov.ie/agriculture
- Irish Ferries pet travel: irishferries.com
- Stena Line pet travel: stenaline.co.uk
- APHA (UK): apha.defra.gov.uk
Rules around the UK-Ireland route have evolved since Brexit and continue to develop. Always check the latest guidance from DAFM before travel. Information current as of May 2026.