Bringing your dog or cat from United Kingdom to Ireland takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Around 2-4 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. No …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Ireland
typically takes around 2-4 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Ireland import process
01
As early as possible
Confirm ISO microchip in place and current rabies vaccination
Responsible: Owner and vet
02
24-120 hours before arrival
For dogs: arrange tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival in Ireland
Responsible: APHA OV
03
Within 10 days of travel
Book APHA-authorised OV appointment for AHC
Responsible: Owner
04
As early as possible; ferry ferry bookings for peak periods fill quickly
Confirm travel method: ferry or flight
Responsible: Owner
Requirements
Ireland entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination with 21-day wait after primary course
Rabies titre test
Not required. UK is treated as a listed country for Ireland purposes.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets
Import permit
No import permit required
Health certificate
AHC issued by APHA OV; replaces the former GB-issued EU pet passport which is no longer valid for travel to Ireland
Leaving United Kingdom
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit required; AHC is the key document
Health certificate
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of travel to Ireland
Costs
What this route typically costs
AHC from APHA OV: GBP 150-400 depending on vet and location
Aer Lingus cabin pet fee: EUR 30-50 each way
Ferry pet fee (Irish Ferries / Stena Line): GBP 30-50 per pet each way
British Airways cargo LHR-DUB: GBP 200-600 depending on pet size
Critical points
An EU Pet Passport issued in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) is no longer valid for travel to Ireland or any EU country. You need an AHC for every trip.
The AHC is a single-use document. A new one is required for each journey.
Tapeworm treatment is required for dogs 24-120 hours before arrival in Ireland. It must be administered by an OV or authorised vet and recorded on the AHC.
Ireland bans four breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. These dogs cannot be brought into Ireland.
Ryanair does not accept pets. Do not attempt to use Ryanair for this journey.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Aer Lingus
LHR, MAN, EDI to DUB. Small pets (up to approx 10 kg including carrier) allowed in cabin on eligible routes. Larger dogs as check-in baggage or cargo.
Mixed
British Airways
LHR to DUB. Pets accepted as cargo via British Airways World Cargo.
Cargo Only
Ryanair
Ryanair does NOT accept pets in the cabin or hold on any route. Not suitable for pet travel.
Cargo Only
Meeting Ireland's entry requirements
Getting a pet into Ireland is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
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.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. EU Pet Passports issued in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) are no longer valid for travel to Ireland or any EU country. You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an APHA OV for every trip. Northern Ireland-issued EU Pet Passports remain valid.
Dogs must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus) using a licensed praziquantel product, administered by an OV or authorised vet, 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Ireland. The treatment must be recorded on the AHC.
No. Ryanair does not accept pets in the cabin or hold on any route. Aer Lingus is the main airline option for small pets in the cabin. Larger dogs can travel via British Airways cargo.
Ireland bans four breeds under the Control of Dogs Act: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. These dogs cannot be brought into Ireland regardless of documentation.
The AHC is single-use. A new AHC is required for every trip from the UK to Ireland. It cannot be reused or used for return journeys.
Airline guides
Aer Lingus
British Airways
Ryanair
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.