IE

Importing Your Pet to Ireland

Moderate to import
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by , International Animal Health Consultant

Ireland is an EU member state, so the EU rules on non-commercial pet movements apply. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is the competent authority for pet travel into and out of Ireland.

Between EU countries, pets travel on an EU pet passport. Pets from non-EU countries need an EU animal health certificate, completed by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch and endorsed by that country’s competent authority. DAFM also says pets from non-EU countries must give advance notice, enter through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry and undergo a compliance check on arrival.

A compliant pet faces no quarantine. Get the paperwork right and the arrival should be straightforward.

Import Requirements

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

EU rules that apply in Ireland

Who is in charge

Where your pet travels from

GroupWhat appliesOrigins
EU countries (movement between Member States)Pet dogs and cats moving between Member States travel on an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, with microchip and valid rabies vaccination (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, Article 11). Tapeworm treatment applies only for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. SourceEU Member States
Listed third countries and territories, Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. The EC travellers' points of entry page also exempts these origins (and Norway) from the obligation to enter through a designated travellers' point of entry. SourceAndorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State
Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(b) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. SourceAscension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Fiji, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Montenegro, Montserrat, North Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Serbia, Singapore, Saint Helena, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United States of America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna
Non-listed third countries and territoriesRabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Sourceall other countries and territories
  • Pets from third countries or territories listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not need a rabies antibody titration test (the page adds in brackets that Annex II was amended by 2026/1228 to add Montenegro and Serbia); pets from all other third countries do. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Montenegro and Serbia were added to Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (titre-test exempt list) by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228, and are shown in Annex II on the EC listing page. The exact start date (18 or 19 June 2026) was not confirmed on EUR-Lex in this pass; it does not affect moves from October 2026 onwards. Applies to dogs and cats from Montenegro and Serbia.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Annex I countries (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131) are those that applied and showed they apply pet rules equivalent to the EU's own; Annex II countries (Article 17(1)(b)) qualify on rabies surveillance and control criteria. Both are exempt from the titre test; only Annex I origins are also exempt from entering through a travellers' point of entry (Article 15(a)). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Import permit

  • Not required (EU level): the European Commission sets out the conditions that must be met for a pet dog, cat or ferret to move from a non-EU country into an EU country (travel with the owner, at most 5 animals, microchip, health, rabies vaccination, titre test where applicable, tapeworm treatment for some destinations, animal health certificate and declaration, travellers' point of entry); no permit is among them. National files must still settle any national permit (for example a breed or hybrid licence). Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets moved from non-EU countries into the EU (non-commercial).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 2 October 2026
  • At EU level a permit is used only by way of exception. Article 29 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 lets a Member State, in exceptional situations, authorise entry of pets that do NOT comply with the conditions in Articles 7 to 20, on a permit from the destination Member State (applied for in advance or, by derogation in Article 29(2), granted on arrival), with possible isolation under official supervision of up to six months. Article 15(b) also uses a permit, only for pet dogs moved by military, law-enforcement or search-and-rescue teams that enter other than through a travellers' point of entry. An ordinary compliant pet does not need one. Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets that do not meet the EU entry conditions.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

  • Each pet must be identified with an implanted microchip meeting the technical specifications in Article 70a of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. Neither the EC pages nor 2026/131 name ISO 11784/11785 directly; the standard is set by reference to Article 70a. Exceptions: the same EC page accepts a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011, and a microchip that does not meet Article 70a is accepted if the owner provides a reader on request (Article 13(1)(b) of 2026/131; see below).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (same day is acceptable).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • If a pet from a non-EU country has a microchip that does not meet the EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reader so EU authorities can check it. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • For non-commercial movements between EU countries, the microchip must contain the country code from 1 January 2028. The same FAQ lists exceptions: pets microchipped before 22 April 2026 under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 need not be re-chipped, and pets from non-EU countries on a short stay identified under their own national rules do not need a country-code chip (Article 7(2)(a) of 2026/131 also deems transponders implanted before 1 January 2028 without the country code compliant). Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 7(1)(b) of 2026/131 (identification for movements between Member States): if the transponder does not meet the Article 70a technical requirements, the owner or authorised person must provide a reader on request. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Rabies vaccination

Rabies titre test

  • Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026
  • The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The 90-day wait does not apply when an EU-resident pet returns and its passport shows a favourable titre test done before it left the EU. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Health certificate

  • Pets entering from third countries need an EU animal health certificate completed and issued by an official or authorised veterinarian in the country of dispatch and then endorsed by that country's competent authority. Exceptions on the same page (Article 20 of 2026/131): a pet accompanied by a pet passport issued in an Annex I country, and an EU-resident pet re-entering on its EU pet passport (see topic other), need no certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue by the official veterinarian until the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' point of entry; for transport by sea the 10 days are extended by the length of the sea journey. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • For onward travel to other EU countries the certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries and travelling onward within the EU.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate must be accompanied by a written declaration from the owner or authorised person that the movement is non-commercial (model in Part 2 of Annex V to 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Transitional rule: old-model certificates (Annex IV to 577/2013) issued before 1 October 2026 are accepted until 31 March 2027. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC page confirms that old-model certificates remain valid only if issued before 1 October 2026 (end date 31 March 2027 is in Article 6 of 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 6(1) of 2026/705: an old-model passport (Part 1 of Annex III to 577/2013) is deemed to comply with the new model passport where it was issued before 1 January 2028, for non-commercial movements into a Member State from another Member State. Article 6(2) gives the same rule for old Part 3 passports used for movements from third countries or territories listed in Annex I to 2026/636. Applies to dogs and cats moving with an EU pet passport.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 18(1) of 2026/131: the animal health certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks at the travellers' point of entry, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

Parasite treatment

  • Dogs (not cats) must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. Dogs moving directly between these disease-free countries are exempt (Article 10(1) of 2026/131 and the EC 'Travelling with a pet within the EU' page). Article 16 of 2026/131 (dogs from Annex I countries) and Article 10(2) (dogs from other Member States) allow an alternative regular-treatment scheme where the destination Member State has authorised it and says so on a dedicated website. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The tapeworm treatment must be given by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before scheduled entry. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Quarantine

  • Under EU rules quarantine is tied to non-compliance: a pet that fails the entry checks may be returned to the country of departure, quarantined until it complies, or, if neither is possible, euthanised (Your Europe, last checked 1 September 2026). Separately, Article 29 of 2026/131 lets a Member State admit a non-compliant pet on a permit that may include isolation under official supervision for up to six months. The entry measures for a compliant pet (Article 14 of 2026/131, see other_vaccines_and_tests) include no quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU, checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Pets from third countries must enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State (Article 15 of 2026/131, with listed exceptions). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC publishes each Member State's travellers' points of entry. Pets from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State are exempt from using them. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Travellers' points of entry, checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Young unvaccinated (or not yet fully protected) dogs and cats cannot enter the EU from any non-EU country. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Between Member States only, a destination country may allow young pets under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks vaccinated but within the 21-day wait (Article 9 of 2026/131). The EC table (checked 1 October 2026) lists Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland as accepting them for non-commercial moves. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 9 of 2026/131 defines the young-animal derogation for movement from another Member State. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

How your pet may travel

  • The pet must travel with its owner; if the owner cannot travel at the same time, an authorised person may move it, with the owner travelling within 5 days before or after, confirmed by a written declaration attached to the passport (model in Annex V, Part 1 to 2026/705).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

  • Between Member States, pets must carry an EU pet passport (Article 11(1) of 2026/131). The EC guidance page says it is completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian. Exception (Article 12 of 2026/131): a pet whose owner lives in a third country and that entered the EU on an animal health certificate may move on to another Member State with that certificate while it is valid. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • EU-resident pets returning after a short stay outside the EU may re-enter on their EU pet passport (instead of a certificate) if it shows rabies vaccination and any needed titre test were done before leaving; Article 20(b) of 2026/131 adds that the vaccination must still be valid on return. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026

Rules set by Ireland

Who is in charge

  • The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is the competent authority for pet travel into and out of Ireland (DAFM Pet Travel page). General queries go to livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie; compliance checks are booked with the port of entry.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026

Import permit

  • Revenue (Irish customs), Tax and Duty Manual on personal importation of live animals from third countries (last updated June 2021): pets may accompany their owners, but prior approval must be obtained from DAFM before entering the State. No licence or permit document is named. DAFM's own current pages describe the pre-arrival step only as advance notice registered on the Imports Portal, followed by a compliance check at a designated Travellers' Point of Entry. Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries.
    Tax and Duty Manual: Personal importation of live animals and products of animal origin (last updated June 2021), checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differWording differs, not substance as far as can be read: DAFM's Pet Travel page (last updated 5 August 2026, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/pet-travel/) and Advance Notice page (https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/advance-notice/) name no Irish import licence, permit, approval or entry fee for pets (the Pet Travel page uses 'Import Permit' only for Australian export certificates, and its only cost wording concerns non-compliant pets), and require only advance notice on the Imports Portal plus a compliance check on arrival. DAFM is the competent authority and its page is newer, so PTG treats the Revenue 'prior approval' as that DAFM advance notice; no separate import permit is named on any official page read.

Parasite treatment

  • Dogs need tapeworm treatment from a vet to enter Ireland, including Irish dogs returning from abroad (timing 24 to 120 hours before entry is in eu-common.json). The Citizens Information Board states the window as 1 to 5 days before arrival and exempts dogs travelling from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026
  • Citizens Information Board: dogs must be treated each time they travel to Ireland unless coming from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway, given by a vet 1 to 5 days before arrival and recorded in the passport. Applies to dogs entering Ireland.
    Bringing pets to Ireland (page edited 26 September 2024), checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Pets from non-EU countries must give advance notice, enter through a designated Travellers' Point of Entry and undergo a compliance check on arrival. Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026
  • The only entry points for pets from non-EU countries are Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, Ringaskiddy Port (Cork) and Rosslare Ferry Port. DAFM lists pet movement contacts for the ports (for example dubport.petmove@agriculture.gov.ie for Dublin Port, advance notice only). Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026
    Official sources differRevenue Commissioners Tax and Duty Manual on personal importation of live animals (section 2.2, last updated June 2021, https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/customs/prohibitions-restrictions/importation-from-third-countries-of-live-animals-and-products-of-animal-origin-for-personal-consumption-20210623104842.pdf) says live animals may only be imported at Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort and Shannon Airport, so it omits Cork Airport and Ringaskiddy Port. DAFM's list is followed because DAFM is the competent pet travel authority and its page is newer (last updated 5 August 2026).
  • Advance notice is registered on DAFM's online Imports Portal (in use since 23 October 2023). Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries.
    Advance Notice, checked 1 October 2026
  • Lead time: the Citizens Information Board (state information service, page edited 26 September 2024) says notice must be given at least 24 hours before arrival, ideally about a week before, via the Advance Notice Portal. DAFM's own page states the 24-hour rule only for service dogs (24 hours before departure), so DAFM is silent on the lead time for ordinary pets. Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries.
    Bringing pets to Ireland (page edited 26 September 2024), checked 1 October 2026
  • For service and assistance dogs from non-EU countries, advance notice must be given at least 24 hours before departure. Applies to service and assistance dogs from non-EU countries.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Ireland does not accept young unvaccinated dogs and cats (under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks within the 21-day wait) even from other EU countries: the European Commission table lists Ireland as "No" under Article 9 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. From non-EU countries young animals cannot enter the EU at all.
    Young animals: EU countries' decisions on rabies vaccination exemptions, checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

  • More than 5 pets (except for a dog show or competition, with written confirmation to livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie), unaccompanied pets and any change of ownership fall outside pet travel rules and must follow commercial rules.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026

Banned and restricted breeds

  • Since 1 October 2024 importing, breeding, rehoming and reselling XL Bully dogs is illegal in Ireland (Citizens Information Board, page edited 26 June 2025). Applies to XL Bully type dogs.
    Ban on XL Bully dogs in Ireland (page edited 26 June 2025), checked 2 October 2026
  • Since 1 February 2025 owning an XL Bully dog is illegal without a Certificate of Exemption (application form from the local authority). After 1 February 2025 a certificate can only be applied for in exceptional cases. Applies to XL Bully type dogs.
    Ban on XL Bully dogs in Ireland (page edited 26 June 2025), checked 2 October 2026
  • Exceptional case example: an owner who previously lived in Ireland and returns to live there with their XL Bully may get a Certificate of Exemption, but only with proof they owned the dog before 1 October 2024. Applies to XL Bully type dogs of returning former residents.
    Ban on XL Bully dogs in Ireland (page edited 26 June 2025), checked 2 October 2026
  • Restricted breeds (and strains or crosses): American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Ban Dog (Bandog). Not banned from import but controlled in public. Applies to restricted breeds and crosses.
    My legal responsibilities as a dog owner (last updated 29 January 2026), checked 1 October 2026
  • In public, restricted breeds must be muzzled and on a strong lead of at most 2 metres, held by a capable person over 16. Applies to restricted breeds and crosses.
    My legal responsibilities as a dog owner (last updated 29 January 2026), checked 1 October 2026

How your pet may travel

  • DAFM has no objection to accompanied pets travelling in the cabin or as excess baggage; the airline decides where the animal travels. Since 19 July 2021 Dublin Airport does not accept pets outbound as excess baggage. Applies to dogs and cats travelling by air.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026
  • The pet must arrive with the owner, or within five days before or after the owner if moved by an authorised person, with original paperwork. Otherwise commercial rules apply.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 1 October 2026

Official fees

  • DAFM may set and charge a fee for the arrival inspection (compliance check) of pets from non-EU countries outside Part 1 of Annex II (Regulation 13, S.I. No. 141 of 2020). No amount is published on any official page found (see not_stated). Applies to dogs and cats from non-EU countries other than Part 1 territories.
    S.I. No. 141/2020: Pet Travel (Cats, dogs and ferrets) Regulations 2020, checked 2 October 2026
  • All costs of isolation, quarantine, return to the country of dispatch or other official action on a non-compliant pet are payable by the person in possession or control of the animal (Regulation 12(7), S.I. No. 141 of 2020).
    S.I. No. 141/2020: Pet Travel (Cats, dogs and ferrets) Regulations 2020, checked 2 October 2026
  • If a pet fails the compliance checks it may be refused entry or held in official quarantine for up to six months, and the owner pays all resulting costs (official isolation, transport, pet passport, vaccinations), which DAFM warns may be very considerable.
    Pet Travel (last updated 5 August 2026), checked 2 October 2026
  • No official page states a rule on this. We confirm it with you for each move.

Other conditions

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UK and non-EU pets entering Ireland

The only entry points for pets from non-EU countries are Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, Ringaskiddy Port (Cork) and Rosslare Ferry Port. Advance notice is registered on DAFM’s online Imports Portal. The Citizens Information Board says notice must be given at least 24 hours before arrival, ideally about a week before.

The animal health certificate is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry. The microchip must go in before, or on the same day as, the rabies vaccination, and the pet must have been at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated. A primary rabies vaccination becomes valid 21 days after the vaccination protocol is completed.

Pets from countries outside the EU’s listed third countries also need a rabies titre test. The blood sample must be taken by an authorised vet at least 30 days after the primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not for a compliant pet. If a pet fails the compliance checks it may be refused entry or held in official quarantine for up to six months, and DAFM warns that the owner pays all resulting costs, which may be very considerable.

No, if your pet is coming from another EU member state or a third country listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636. Yes, if it is coming from any other non-EU country, in which case the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml, the blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the primary vaccination, and it must be taken at least 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued.

The titre is not the requirement that catches people out on this route, though. Dogs need tapeworm treatment from a vet to enter Ireland, including Irish dogs returning from abroad. The European Commission names Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway as the places where a dog must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before arrival.

The treatment must be given between 24 and 120 hours before scheduled entry, so it is the one to diarise against the flight rather than against the plan.

Yes. Cats follow the same microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate rules as dogs. The tapeworm treatment applies to dogs only.

From a non-EU country, your pet needs an EU animal health certificate completed by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch and endorsed by that country’s competent authority. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry, and it must come with your written declaration that the move is non-commercial. Pets moving from another EU country travel on an EU pet passport instead.

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Ireland

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Code: IE

Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.

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