Relocating a pet from Ireland to United States follows a clear path once you understand what United States asks for. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 3-6 weeks is usually …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Ireland to United States
typically takes around 3-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Ireland to United States import process
01
First step. Must be implanted before any rabies vaccination.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
02
After microchip. Minimum 21 days before travel for first-time vaccination.
Rabies vaccination (dogs) from a DAFM-registered vet
Responsible: Your veterinarian
03
Submit via CDC Traveler portal at least 1-2 days before departure. Print confirmation.
Register and complete CDC Dog Import Form (dogs only)
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
04
4-6 weeks before travel. Cargo space is limited and fills quickly in peak season.
Book cargo space with chosen airline
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
05
At least 3-4 weeks before travel. Allow time for your pet to adjust to the crate.
Source an IATA-compliant travel crate, correct size for your pet
Responsible: You
06
Within 10 days of travel. Do not obtain earlier as the certificate will expire.
Obtain AHC from DAFM-authorised official vet
Responsible: DAFM-authorised official veterinarian
07
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets.
Travel day: present all documents at cargo desk
Responsible: You and the airline cargo desk
Requirements
United States entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Must be implanted and readable before travel.
Rabies vaccination
Required for dogs. Must be current and valid on arrival. Dogs must be at least 6 months old. Cats: no federal rabies requirement, but individual states may differ.
Quarantine
Not required. Ireland is classified as a low-risk, rabies-free country by the CDC. Dogs arriving from Ireland do not face quarantine provided all CDC requirements are met.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets.
Health certificate
AHC issued by DAFM-authorised official vet within 10 days of travel. Dogs also require a completed CDC Dog Import Form submitted via the CDC Traveler portal before departure. Source: CDC cdc.gov/importation; APHIS aphis.usda.gov.
Leaving Ireland
Export requirements
Export permit
Not required. Ireland is an EU member state; no export permit needed for personal pet exports.
Health certificate
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a DAFM-authorised official vet within 10 days of travel. Current EU non-commercial format valid until 30 September 2026; new format applies from 1 October 2026. Source: DAFM, gov.ie/dafm.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Aer Lingus or other airline transatlantic cargo fee: typically EUR 400-900 depending on crate dimensions and weight
IATA-compliant travel crate: EUR 80-300 depending on size
Veterinary fees for health certificate, vaccination check, microchip confirmation: EUR 100-250
DAFM official vet appointment for AHC: EUR 80-180
CDC Dog Import Form registration: no charge at time of publication
Pet transport agent fee if used: EUR 300-800 for Ireland-USA coordination
Critical points
AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel by a DAFM-authorised official vet, not your regular vet unless they hold official vet status.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter the USA under CDC rules (updated August 2024). Verify current guidance at cdc.gov/importation before travel.
Aer Lingus does not carry pets in cabin on any transatlantic route. Cargo is the only option from Dublin on direct services.
Always confirm pet cargo space with the airline separately from your passenger booking. They are two different reservations.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Aer Lingus
Direct transatlantic routes from Dublin to Boston, New York JFK, Chicago, and Los Angeles. No cabin pets on transatlantic routes. Pets travel as manifest cargo; book through Aer Lingus Cargo or an approved IATA cargo agent.
Cargo Only
Delta Air Lines
Transatlantic cargo service from Dublin via partner routings. Pets travel as manifest cargo in a temperature-controlled hold. Seasonal and breed restrictions apply; confirm availability with Delta Cargo directly.
Cargo Only
American Airlines
Cargo service for pets on transatlantic routes. No cabin pets on flights from Ireland. Book through American Airlines Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions.
Cargo Only
United Airlines
PetSafe cargo programme available on transatlantic routings. Pets travel in a climate-controlled hold. Confirm routing via Dublin and check seasonal embargoes before booking.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into United States
United States has a modest set of rules compared with stricter destinations. Get the essentials in place and confirm the finer points below.
How to keep this move on track
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. The CDC classifies Ireland as a rabies-free country. Dogs from Ireland are exempt from the titre test requirement. You need a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a completed CDC Dog Import Form. Source: CDC cdc.gov/importation, updated August 2024.
No quarantine is required for pets arriving from Ireland. Ireland’s rabies-free status means pets that meet the standard CDC entry requirements can proceed directly to their destination without any holding period on arrival.
No. Aer Lingus and all major carriers operating transatlantic routes from Dublin do not permit pets in the cabin. Your cat will travel as manifest cargo in a temperature-controlled hold. Book cargo space separately from your passenger ticket.
Only a DAFM-authorised official veterinarian can issue the AHC. This is not necessarily your regular vet unless they hold official vet status with DAFM. The certificate must be issued within ten days of travel. Check the DAFM list at gov.ie/dafm to find an authorised vet.
Book at least four to six weeks before travel. In summer (June to August) book earlier, as transatlantic cargo capacity fills well in advance. Confirm the booking with the airline cargo team directly, separate from your passenger flight booking.
Airline guides
Aer Lingus
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
United Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.