DE
Germany
✈️
IE
Ireland
Pet Transport from Germany to Ireland
See key factsQuarantine on arrival
Low routeExpert coordination essential
1-2 weeksPreparation lead time
Fully managedDoor to door service available
Official rules on this page checked
Step by step
The Germany to Ireland pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm EU Pet Passport shows current microchip and valid rabies vaccination
Responsible: German vet
Immediate vet check.2
If travelling with a dog: book vet appointment for tapeworm treatment
Responsible: German vet
24-120 hours before Ireland arrival. Exact timing matters - too early or too late fails.3
Book Aer Lingus or Lufthansa Cargo FRA-DUB
Responsible: You or agent
2-4 weeks before travel.4
Cargo check-in Frankfurt. DAFM inspection at Dublin on arrival.
Responsible: You + cargo airline
3-4 hours before departure.Which Ireland rules depend on a pet coming from Germany?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and Germany falls in “EU countries”.
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. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Health certificate: 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 - Microchip: 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 - Microchip: 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 - Minimum age: 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 - Minimum age: 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 - 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
The rules that apply to every pet entering Ireland, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Ireland guide.
What does Germany require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Berlin example: apply to the district veterinary office three to four weeks before travel; fees are time-based under tariff 31050 of the Berlin VSGebO, from EUR 41 to EUR 615. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Berlin (Treptow-Köpenick).
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Rhein-Erft-Kreis example: the district veterinary office charges EUR 35 to issue a health certificate for a stay abroad; it is valid for at most 10 days. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Rhein-Erft-Kreis.
Gesundheitszeugnis für Auslandaufenthalte von Hunden/Katzen, checked 1 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
Aer Lingus or Lufthansa Cargo fees FRA-DUB
Tapeworm treatment vet fee (dogs)
No permit fees
Critical points to read before you book
Dogs require tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) by a vet, 24-120 hours before Ireland arrival. The timing window is strict at both ends.
Ryanair does not accept pets. Many German travellers assume all Ireland routes accept pets - they don't on budget carriers.
Cats are exempt from the tapeworm treatment requirement.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AER LINGUS
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus Cargo FRA/DUS to DUB. Ireland's national carrier with DAFM familiarity on arrival. Pets travel in cargo hold.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Lufthansa Cargo FRA-DUB. Strong Frankfurt operation. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round.
RYANAIR
Ryanair
Ryanair does not accept pets in cabin or cargo. Not suitable.
BRITISH
British Airways
Via London LHR to DUB. British Airways World Cargo. Longer routing.
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Route at a glance
FromGermany
ToIreland
Prep time1-2 weeks
ComplexityLow