Ireland - Pets

Ireland's Rules if coming from an EU country

Dogs and cats must:

• be microchipped
• be vaccinated against rabies with a valid vaccine at the time of travel and included in the passport. Rabies vaccinations administered by a veterinary practitioner not authorized by an EU country will render the EU Pet Passport invalid for travel.
• be treated for tapeworms specifically Echinococcus multilocularis - for dogs only - 1-5 days before arrival in Ireland
• be accompanied by a valid EU pet passport or EU Health certificate

Ireland's Rules if coming from outside the EU

Dogs and cats must:

• be microchipped (before the rabies vaccine is administered)
• be vaccinated against rabies by a vet
• be treated for tapeworms specifically Echinococcus multilocularis - for dogs only - 1-5 days before arrival in Ireland
• only enter Ireland through certain  Travelers’ Points of Entry including: Belfast, Larne, Dublin Port, Ringaskiddy and Rosslare [most of these places are actually off-limit to yachts]
• travel with either an EU pet passport, or, have an animal health certificate, which must be signed by an official vet of the third country.

More details at the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Pet Travel

Questions can be emailed to livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie

Two useful European Commission links for traveling with pets in the EU:

1. Travelers' Points of Entry if coming from a third country with a dog, cat or ferret – country specific information

2. Animal health requirements applicable to dogs, cats and ferrets moved into EU countries – country specific information

Last updated:  May 2023