If you have moved or are considering moving across the border, this factsheet explains the regulations for importing pets to The Republic of Ireland.
Animals travelling between the UK and Ireland
If you are travelling with pets between the UK (This includes the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) and Ireland they are not subject to quarantine or passport requirements. There is a common travel zone between the UK and Ireland; therefore animals can travel freely within that zone provided they do not travel outside it.
EU Pet Passport Regulations
Introduction
The importation of pets into Ireland has always been strictly controlled to ensure that diseases such as rabies are not introduced. Under the EU pet passport system it is possible to bring accompanied pet dogs and cats into Ireland without the need for quarantine from a range of EU countries deemed low risk for rabies provided that certain conditions are met.
EU Pet Passport
Pet animals may travel directly into Ireland under the Pet Passport scheme provided they meet the following conditions (In this order);
• The pet is travelling from an eligible country – A full list of eligible countries is available from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
• The pet is travelling on an approved carrier on an approved route with its owner or with a person acting on behalf of the owner. Unaccompanied pets cannot travel to Ireland under the EU Pet Passport system.
• The pet is identified by an implanted microchip
• The pet has been successfully blood-tested for rabies at least six months before entry to Ireland
• The pet has been treated for tick and tapeworm. The pet must be treated between 24 and 48 hours before travel. Details of the treatment must be recorded on the passport.
How to apply?
If you are travelling from a European Union country, your pet must be accompanied by a fully completed EU Pet Passport which has been signed and stamped by a registered veterinarian. For further information contact your local veterinary practice.
Pets from qualifying non-EU countries
Pets travelling from countries outside the European Union which are also deemed low risk are permitted to enter Ireland without quarantine as long as they meet the following conditions (In this order);
• Be micro-chipped
• Be vaccinated from rabies
• Be blood tested at least six months before entry into Ireland
• Be treated for ticks and tapeworm between 24 and 48 hours before travel
• Have a veterinary certificate issued or endorsed by the competent authority in the country of origin
• Be accompanied by the owner or a person acting on their behalf on an approved carrier into Ireland
More information on qualifying non-EU countries is available from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Pets which do not possess an EU Pet Passport that are travelling from qualifying countries
Pets travelling from within the European Union that do not meet the conditions of the Pet Passport scheme must have an import licence to travel to Ireland. Upon arrival animals will be required to spend either six months in public quarantine or be put in approved public quarantine for one month and then approved private quarantine for a further five months if they meet certain conditions. More information is available from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Pets from non-qualifying countries
Pets travelling from non-qualifying countries must be accompanied by an import licence. This licence is issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The pet will also be required to spend six months in public quarantine in Ireland and there is only one approved public quarantine premises;
Lissenhall Quarantines Kennels and Catteries
Lissenhall
Swords
Co Dublin
Tel: +353 1 8029801
Transport from the airport to the quarantine must be undertaken by the only authorised carrying agent;
Kelly Couriers
30 Selskar Avenue
Skerries
Co Dublin
Tel: +353 1 8490807
The pet owner is responsible for all costs of transporting and quarantining and it is important to remember that all arrangements must be in place before an import licence is granted. Further information is available from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Further Information
Further information relating to the importation of pets into Ireland including lists of qualifying countries is available from The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets
© Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NIACAB) 2008