travel to ireland from uk with dog

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Bringing your pet to Ireland

The importation of pets into Ireland is strictly controlled to ensure diseases such as rabies are kept off of the island

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Bringing your pet on holiday with you is fun – they’re part of the family after all. Selected hotels, guest houses and B&Bs happily accommodate pets: the five-star Cliff House Hotel in County Waterford even offers a luxury package specially designed for your pooch. B&B Ireland has lots of members who accept pets into their homes and many self-catering properties are now pet-friendly.

For the enthusiastic dog owner, the possibilities for walks are endless on the island – although remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times as sheep can pop up out of the most unlikely places! During the summer months, country fairs and festivals hold all sorts of dog shows, cat shows and pet races; so if you’re particularly proud of your pooch why not see if they can bring home the gold?

Murlough Bay

County Antrim

For the enthusiastic dog owner, the possibilities for walks are endless on the island

Bringing pets into the Republic of Ireland

Entry requirements depend on where your pet is travelling from .

Travelling from the EU

If you are bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into the Republic of Ireland from another EU country or from Andorra; Gibraltar; Greenland and the Faroe Islands; Iceland; Liechtenstein; Monaco, Norway; San Marino; Switzerland or the Vatican City State, your pet must:

• Be microchipped (this must be done before anything else)

• Have a valid rabies vaccination

• Have an EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate

• Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only) before each visit, unless you’re travelling from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway)

Travelling from Great Britain

If you are bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain, your pet must:

• Have an Animal Health Certificate

• Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only)

Allow plenty of time to arrange the relevant vaccinations and requirements with your vet before you travel – and don’t forget your pet will need a new AHC and tapeworm treatment for each trip. Find out more at Gov.uk: Taking your pet abroad and Gov.ie: Pet Travel Portal .

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Dogwalking at Portumna Castle, County Galway

Travelling from outside the EU and Great Britain

Entry requirements depend on your country of origin. You can find details of the requirements for each country on the Irish Government's Pet Travel Portal .

At a minimum, your pet must:

Be microchipped (this must be done before anything else)
Have a valid rabies vaccination
Have an EU Health Certificate
Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only) before each visit
Enter the Republic of Ireland only through Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy or Rosslare Europort and must undergo compliance checks on arrival.

Pets coming from certain countries may also need to have a blood test after the rabies vaccination at least three months before entry.

Advance notice: If you're entering Ireland from a non-EU country you must arrange in advance to have a compliance check carried out on your arrival. You can find contact details to make these arrangements on the Pet Travel Portal .

Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down

Bringing pets into Northern Ireland

Dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries or territories can enter Northern Ireland without quarantine provided they meet certain criteria.

Northern Ireland is part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme so you can use a pet passport issued in an EU country, including the Republic of Ireland, to bring your pet into Northern Ireland. Your pet will need to:

Have an EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate
Be treated for tapeworm (dogs only) before every visit

Great Britain is outside the EU Pet Travel Scheme so there are different rules around bringing your pet to Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Before you travel, you should check the Northern Ireland Government website or Gov.uk: Taking your pet abroad to make sure you adhere to the latest requirements.

Entry requirements depend on your country of origin. You can find details of the requirements for each country on the Northern Ireland Government's website .

Have an EU Health Certificate confirming microchip and vaccinations
Enter Northern Ireland only through Belfast Port, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, City of Derry Airport or Larne Port and may be required to undergo compliance checks on arrival.

Travelling within the island of Ireland

Pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland or vice versa should be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and meet any additional requirements. They must also be accompanied by either a valid Animal Health Certificate (Great Britain residents) or an EU pet passport.

Getting here: transport and your pet

It's up to each individual airline to decide whether to carry your pet in the cabin or as excess baggage and each ferry operator has differing rules on travelling with animals. Always check with your transport company before you travel to confirm their requirements for transporting your pet.

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Bringing pets to Ireland

Introduction, special rules for travellers from ukraine and eu citizens travelling from russia, cats, dogs and ferrets – eu travel, cats, dogs and ferrets – non eu travel, pet birds, rabbits and rodents, non-compliant pets, further information and contacts.

The importation of pets into Ireland is strictly controlled to ensure that diseases such as rabies are not introduced. The EU system of Passports for Pets allows cats, dogs and ferrets to travel between EU member states and some other countries that are part of the scheme.

The information in this document is about bringing a pet to Ireland, and is not about buying a pet abroad, or bringing animals into Ireland for commercial purposes .

For EU rules to apply, you must travel to Ireland with your pet.

If you are bringing a cat, dog or ferret from outside the EU (including the UK but not including Northern Ireland), you should follow the rules set out in ‘Cats, dogs and ferrets – non EU travel’ below.

From 21 November 2022, if you bring your pet to Ireland, you must comply with all the requirements for pets entering Ireland from outside the EU/EEA.

If your pet is not fully complaint, it will be put in quarantine. You must pay for the quarantine.

You can read about the current arrangements in Ukrainian and Russian .

If you are coming to Ireland from another EU country you should follow the steps below to bring your cat, dog (including guide dogs) or ferret with you to Ireland. These rules also apply to pets travelling from:

Faroe Islands
Lichtenstein
Northern Ireland
Switzerland
Vatican City State

Different rules apply if you are:

Buying a cat, dog or ferret abroad and having it shipped to Ireland
Shipping your cat, dog or ferret back to Ireland unaccompanied
Travelling to Ireland to sell a cat, dog or ferret
Travelling with more than 5 pets
Bringing your pet unaccompanied
Travelling from outside the EU or from a country not listed above (see ‘Coming from outside the EU’ below)

Detailed information about these situations is on the Government's Pet Travel Portal.

The law governing the importation of cats, dogs and ferrets for non-commercial purposes is the Pet Travel (Cats, Dogs and Ferrets) Regulations 2020 .

Step 1 – Microchipping

Your cat, dog or ferret must be microchipped before it is vaccinated against rabies. The microchip must be readable by a device compatible with ISO standard 11785. If you or your vet is unsure about the specifications of the microchip, you should contact the microchip manufacturer. Alternatively, you can carry your own microchip reader with you which can be used on your pet.

Step 2 – Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine must be given after the microchip is inserted.

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when it is vaccinated. You must wait until the appropriate immunity has developed before you can bring the dog, cat or ferret to Ireland. This is the time as stated on the datasheet of the vaccination given, and must be at least 21 days after the primary vaccination is given.

The waiting period does not apply to booster vaccinations, provided they are given BEFORE the date the previous rabies vaccine has run out.

Step 3 – the pet passport

You need an EU pet passport issued by an EU country or one of the countries listed above, to enter Ireland. The pet passport must be stamped by a vet to show that the rabies vaccination has been given.

Step 4 – Tapeworm treatment

If you are bringing a dog into Ireland, it must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) each time you travel to Ireland, unless you are travelling from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway. The treatment must be given by a vet between 1 and 5 days before you arrive in Ireland, and recorded in the pet passport.

Note : If you travel from Britain (not including Northern Ireland) with your pet after 1 January 2021, non EU rules apply. You must follow the following process even if your pet is returning to Ireland from Britain and was born and raised in Ireland. The rules for travelling from Northern Ireland have not changed.

If your pet does not have an EU pet passport (GB pet passports are no longer allowed, but NI pet passports are), you must have a health certificate issued by UK authorities. You can read more about travelling from Britain .

Step 3 – EU pet passport, or EU health certificate

If you have an EU pet passport the pet passport must be stamped by a vet registered in the EU to show that the rabies vaccination has been given. This is useful for Irish pets who are returning from holidays in a non-EU country.

If your cat, dog or ferret does not have a valid pet passport, you must get an EU Health Certificate signed and stamped by an official government veterinarian in the country you are travelling from..

After being checked and stamped on arrival into the EU, this Certificate is valid for 4 months, or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires – whichever is the earliest.

Step 4 – Blood test

Your cat, dog or ferret must get a blood test called a Rabies serological test, if they are from a country or territory that is not a listed country or territory . If your country is not listed in the drop down menu on the Pet Travel portal, your pet needs a rabies blood test.

You must wait at least 30 days from the rabies vaccination before your pet gets its blood tested. The sample must be sent to an EU approved laboratory.

The blood test must show that the vaccination was successful. If it is successful, you must wait a further 3 months from the taking of the blood sample before travelling to Ireland.

If your pet is starting it’s journey in the EU, (e.g. Ireland to Brazil and back again), you do not have to wait 3 months in Brazil if the blood sample was taken by a vet in the EU or one of the following countries, and entered into an EU pet passport or EU health certificate before leaving Ireland:

You must bring the original test certificate, or a copy received from the lab, with you when you come to Ireland.

If the blood test is taken in a non-EU country, the three month waiting period will always apply.

Step 5 – Tapeworm treatment

If you are bringing a dog into Ireland from a non-EU country, it must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) each time you travel to Ireland. The treatment must be given by a vet between 1 and 5 days before you come to arrive in Ireland, and recorded in the pet passport or EU health certificate.

Step 6 – Advance notice

You must tell the Irish port or airport authorities at least 24 hours before your arrival, but ideally in the week or so before travel. You must only enter Ireland at the following ports and airports. Advance notice should be emailed to:

Dublin Airport - [email protected]
Dublin Port - [email protected]
Shannon Airport - [email protected]
Cork Airport - [email protected]
Ringaskiddy Port, Cork - [email protected]
Rosslare Europort - [email protected]

Step 7 – Compliance check

Your pet must undergo a compliance check on arrival into Ireland from a non-EU country. This is arranged using the email addresses above.

If your pet is travelling to another EU country first and you have a check there, then your pet does not need another check on entry into Ireland. If however, you entered another EU country and were unable to arrange a check to be carried out there, you must arrange a compliance check on arrival into Ireland.

If you are moving to live in Ireland or coming here on holiday, you may be able to bring your pet bird, rabbit or rodent with you, provided you meet certain requirements. There is more information about the entry requirements for birds, rabbits and rodents either from EU or from outside the EU on the Government's Pet Travel Portal.

If you are bringing a pet bird, rabbit or rodent to Ireland from another EU state you must accompany the pet to Ireland. At least 24 hours before you arrive in Ireland you must send a completed advance notice of importation into Ireland form to the Animal Health Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the address below. Owners of pet birds must also travel with a completed Owner Declaration for Pet Birds form.

If you wish to bring a pet bird, rabbit or rodent from a country outside the EU , please see DAFM's guidance, and make sure you have enough time to allow the pre-export requirements, which include a veterinary health certificate, testing, or quarantine requirements to be completed.

Forms and notices are available on the DAFM website.

If your pet does not meet the entry requirements, it may be refused entry into Ireland. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine may return your pet to the country you travelled from.

Alternatively DAFM may place your pet into quarantine to be tested or microchipped and vaccinated to comply with EU requirements. Your pet will remain in quarantine until it fully complies with EU Legislation. In very limited circumstances, your pet may be euthanised. You will have to pay to cover the cost of these measures, including quarantine if necessary.

Blank templates for EU Health Certificates, advance notice forms and detailed guidance are available from DAFM.

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Agriculture House Kildare Street Dublin 2 Ireland

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Dr Gemma Nash

Taking a dog to Ireland in 2024: Everything you need to know

Taking a dog to Ireland is trickier than it was before Brexit, with extra paperwork required depending on which part of Ireland you are travelling to. In this guide we run through what you need to do in order to take a dog to the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland as well as travelling between the two, including when an Animal Health Certificate is required, when to get tapeworm treatment administered, and how to return to the UK.

Please note, this guide only covers owners travelling with their dog from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) to the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland . If you're travelling to Ireland from another country, if you aren't travelling with your dog, or if a dog is moving for commercial purposes, then other requirements may apply.

This guide is frequently updated by our vets to ensure the advice we give is up to date. If you think that something is incorrect or out of date please do contact us so we can update our guide.

Dog Friendly Travel Routes to Ireland

Taking a dog from great britain to the republic of ireland, taking a dog from great britain to northern ireland, taking a dog from northern ireland to the republic of ireland, taking a dog from the republic of ireland to northern ireland.

There are a number of routes to take your dog to Ireland from Great Britain.

Due to the complexity and cost of taking a dog by plane, most people tend to travel by ferry from one of the ports along the west coast of Great Britain. Crossing times range from 2 hours to 8 hours, and generally ferry companies don't charge extra for taking dogs.

We've listed the most common routes that accept dogs from Great Britain to Ireland below:

All of these ferry companies are dog friendly, with most routes having the option of either booking a kennel, a dog friendly cabin, or keeping them inside the car.

For more information on each ferry companies' individual pet policies please follow the links below:

StenaLine pet policy

Irish Ferries pet policy

P&O Ferries pet policy

If you are planning on flying with your dog to Ireland, you'll need to book with a pet friendly airline such as KLM, Lufthansa, or Aer Lingus. You'll need to check with the airline what their pet policy is, and whether your pet can travel in the cabin or whether they have to be in the hold. Typically in addition to the requirements detailed later on in this guide, the airline will often require a "Fitness to Fly" certificate issued by a veterinarian stating that the dog is fit to travel.

The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union so in order to take a dog there EU rules must be followed. Below we outline what these requirements are and in what order they need to be followed.

1. Ensure your dog is microchipped and has been vaccinated against rabies

The first step is to ensure your dog has been microchipped (a legal requirement in the UK), and if your dog hasn't had a rabies vaccination before (or the previous one has expired), then you'll need to book this in at your vet practice.

Rabies vaccinations are not routine vaccinations in the UK, so unless your dog has travelled abroad before, it is unlikely that they will have had one. Dogs need to be at least 12 weeks old before they are able to have a rabies vaccination.

The price of rabies vaccinations varies by vet practice but most tend to charge between £50 and £90.

The vaccination needs to be administered at least 21 days before an Animal Health Certificate can be issued (see step 3), so you'll need to factor this in when planning your trip.

When the vet administers the rabies vaccination, they should update your dog's vaccination/health card or issue you with a rabies vaccination certificate. See our guide on proof of rabies documentation for what type of document is required.

The vaccination card or certificate needs to have the following information on in order for a vet to issue an Animal Health Certificate (AHC):

Details of your dog including the microchip number

Date the rabies vaccination was administered

Manufacturer and batch number of the rabies vaccination

Name, signature and practice stamp of the vet surgeon who administered the vaccine

2. Plan your travel to the Republic of Ireland, ensuring you can book an appointment with an Official Veterinarian a few days before your departure date

Dogs may only enter the Republic of Ireland through a designated Traveller's Point of Entry (TPE) . These are:

Cork Airport

Dublin Airport

Dublin Port

Port of Cork – Ringaskiddy

Rosslare Port

Shannon Airport

Most people travelling with a dog to the Republic of Ireland travel by ferry, either from Holyhead, Fishguard or Pembroke into Dublin or Rosslare.

Check with the ferry company what their policy on dogs is, and whether to book them into a kennel or dog cabin onboard, or to leave them in the car during the crossing.

Before you book your ferry, it's worth booking the Animal Health Certificate and tapeworm treatment appointment(s) in with us or another Official Veterinarian to ensure they fit within the time below scales:

The Animal Health Certificate must be issued at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination was administered AND within 10 days of your departure date.

The tapeworm treatment must be administered between 24 hours (1 day) and 120 hours (5 days) before your scheduled arrival time in the Republic of Ireland.

3. Get an Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of your travel date

All dogs travelling to the Republic of Ireland are required to have either an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or an EU-issued pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination in. GB-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travelling to the EU, and have been replaced with AHCs.

Animal Health Certificate

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a single-use document required for dogs or cats to enter the EU from the UK. The certificate must be completed and issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of your travel date, and at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination was administered (to allow sufficient immunity to build up).

Not all vet practices have Official Veterinarians (vets than can issue AHCs), and prices can vary widely, so it's best to shop around to see which vet can issue your AHC within the time period you need it, and at a fair price.

At PassPets , we've issued thousands of AHCs for pet owners around the country, and with prices starting from £99, we're highly likely to be a lower cost option than your vets. To find out more about our service, visit our homepage, or call us to speak to one of our veterinary team. We have three clinics around the UK (Havant, London and Bristol) , and if you're not local all three locations are easily accessible if you would like to collect your AHC en-route to your ferry or tunnel crossing.

EU Pet Passport

If you have an EU-issued pet passport (not a GB-issued pet passport), and the most rabies vaccination was administered and completed in the EU pet passport by a vet registered in the EU and it is still in date for the duration of your trip , then you can use this EU pet passport instead of an Animal Health Certificate.

4. Tapeworm Treatment

All dogs entering the Republic of Ireland are required to have tapeworm treatment administered and recorded by a vet between 24 hours (1 day) and 120 hours (5 days) before the dog's scheduled arrival time in the Republic of Ireland.

The vet that administers the tapeworm treatment does not have to be an "Official Veterinarian", any vet can administer and record tapeworm treatment.

To avoid having to make multiple appointments with the vet, it's worth seeing whether they can issue the AHC and administer the tapeworm treatment at the same time (i.e. between 24 hours and 120 hours before you arrive in the Republic of Ireland). At PassPets , we issue the AHC and administer the tapeworm treatment at the same appointment.

The treatment needs to be recorded in the table at the bottom of page 3 of the Animal Health Certificate. The vet will need to record the name and manufacturer of the product, the date and time it was administered and their name, stamp and signature.

If you have an EU pet passport, then tapeworm treatment is still required, but it will need to be recorded on the "Echinococcus Treatment" page in the EU pet passport instead.

5. Travel to the Republic of Ireland

Once you have an Animal Health Certificate (or EU pet passport), and tapeworm treatment has been administered, you can travel to the Republic of Ireland with your dog (provided you are due to arrive in the Republic of Ireland between 1 and 5 days from when the tapeworm treatment was administered).

At the ferry port, or airport, they will check your dog's microchip and inspect the paperwork you have to ensure it has been filled in correctly and that the tapeworm treatment has been administered.

6. Travelling back to Great Britain from the Republic of Ireland

Provided you have not travelled to any other countries whilst in the Republic of Ireland (apart from Northern Ireland), there are no extra requirements for returning to Great Britain.

At the border they will check to see you have an Animal Health Certificate (or EU pet passport), for your dog and that the rabies vaccination is still valid.

Taking a dog from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is easier than taking a dog to the Republic of Ireland.

Most people travelling with dogs tend to travel by ferry, either from Cairnryan (in Scotland) to Belfast or Larne, or from Liverpool to Belfast. Check with the ferry company what their policy on dogs is, and whether to book them into a kennel or dog cabin onboard, or to leave them in the car during the crossing.

When the UK left the EU in January 2021, in order to take a dog to Northern Ireland, pet owners initially had to follow the same rules as for the Republic of Ireland, including a rabies vaccination, an Animal Health Certificate and tapeworm treatment.

However, on the 15th September 2021, a statement was issued from DAERA (the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Northern Ireland) announcing that all pet checks on the border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland would be suspended until further notice.

"There will be no routine physical or documentary checks on the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland until further notice" Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Northern Ireland ( Source )

So given the above statement, as long as you are only travelling to Northern Ireland and not to the Republic of Ireland, then there are no requirements for taking a dog other than the dog must be microchipped.

That said, we would still recommend contacting the ferry company (or airline) you are planning on using to see whether they have still suspended pet checks at the time you will be travelling.

When returning from Northern Ireland to Great Britain with a dog, there are no additional requirements:

"If travelling from NI to GB with your pet and not returning to NI, there are no documentary or health preparation requirements. However, there is a legal requirement that dogs are microchipped at 8 weeks old." Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Northern Ireland ( Source )

Technically, because you are entering the EU when travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, you need to follow the EU rules when taking a dog, which includes getting an Animal Health Certificate issued and tapeworm treatment administered (as outlined above in the travelling to the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain section).

If you entered Ireland through Northern Ireland but are planning on returning to Great Britain from the Republic of Ireland then we would definitely recommend following the steps above for travelling to the Republic of Ireland. This is because they will likely be checking documents at the border between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain so they will want to see a valid Animal Health Certificate or EU pet passport.

On the other hand, if you are not planning on returning to Great Britain via the Republic of Ireland, then because there is no physical border between Northern and the Republic of Ireland, you are unlikely to be checked for pet documentation:

"A risk-based approach is taken with regards to the level of compliance checks on pets travelling between NI and the ROI. DAERA and the Department of Agriculture Food & Marine (DAFM) reserve the right to carry out checks should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns." Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Northern Ireland ( Source )

However an Animal Health Certificate or EU pet passport with evidence of the tapeworm treatment, is technically required.

If you've travelled into the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain with a dog, you'll have had to get an Animal Health Certificate or EU pet passport, along with evidence of tapeworm treatment before you arrived.

As a result, if you were to travel into Northern Ireland, because there are no routine checks being done between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, nor between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, you are unlikely to need to show these documents, but it's worth keeping hold of them just in case.

We hope our guide helps when planning your trip to Ireland with your dog. For more guidance please visit the government website for taking pets to the EU , or contact us .

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Bringing your pets into Ireland

Please select a species (from the tabs) and a country from the drop down list and click “search”. if your country is not listed, please select “other countries.

Select the country you and your pet are travelling from in the dropdown menu above to find out the requirements for entering Ireland

Pet owners, or designated persons, must travel to Ireland with their pets on the same flight per current guidelines. Where the owner cannot travel on the same flight, a designated person must travel on the same flight as the pet and the owner must travel within 5 days of the pets arrival. For full information select PET TYPE and COUNTRY and SEARCH above.

PETS MAY ONLY ENTER IRELAND THROUGH CORK AIRPORT, DUBLIN AIRPORT, DUBLIN PORT, SHANNON AIRPORT, THE PORT OF CORK AT RINGASKIDDY OR ROSSLARE EUROPORT AND MUST UNDERGO COMPLIANCE CHECKS UPON ARRIVAL. PETS MAY NOT ENTER IRELAND THROUGH SMALL/PRIVATE AIRPORTS, PORTS, MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS ETC.

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine hours of business at Dublin Airport have changed to 07:00am to 21:00pm Monday through Sunday.

Please note, if an animal's registered owner on the microchip is a company or a registered charity, travel into Ireland is deemed a commercial movement and you need to visit here: commercial movement

For information on bringing/importing a dog with cropped ears into Ireland, please see Ear-cropping of Dogs Regulations 2023 in the useful links section below

IF YOUR PET IS QUARANTINED UPON ENTRY INTO IRELAND, PLEASE DIRECTLY CONTACT THE QUARANTINE FACILITY (below) IMMEDIATELY TO DISCUSS OPTIONS AND COSTS (do not travel to the quarantine facility without an appointment)

[email protected] (353) 1-8401776

If you are planning to travel to a non-EU country with your pet on a short trip or holiday, please select your pet species type and the country you plan on visiting in the tab above, and read the conditions of re-entering Ireland with your pet as vaccination protocols may require up to 3 months wait period in some instances.

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Pet Travel to Ireland [Pet Passport Ireland 2023]

Whether you are planning on visiting Ireland for a holiday, or are relocating there, you don’t have to leave your pets behind!

Taking pets to Ireland is pretty straightforward. Firstly, you need to ensure you have to correct documentation for an Ireland Pet Passport, or EU Pet Passport . Dogs, cats and ferrets are eligible for an EU Pet Passport which allows them to travel freely within the EU. Other pet species such as birds, rabbits and rodents are also able to travel from to Ireland simply, with other documents we will discuss below. Secondly, you will need to organise travel. You can either enter Ireland in a car, ferry or by air.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of taking a pet to Ireland. Additionally, we will walk you through how to obtain an Ireland pet passport and all the documents required.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

What is a Ireland Pet Passport?

What pet species can get an Ireland Pet Passport?

Visit the vet
Organise travel
Microchipping
Rabies vaccination
Tapeworm treatment
Rabies titer test / rabies blood test
Health certificate
CITES permit
How much does an Ireland Pet Passport Cost?

Commercial transport of pets to Ireland

Can I take my puppy or kitten?
What if I lose my Irish Pet Passport?
Can I travel to Ireland without an Ireland Pet Passport or EU Pet Passport?
Can I fly with my pet in the cabin of the plane?

Bottom Line

What is an Ireland Pet Passport?

An Ireland is a compilation of documents that your pet needs in order to travel to Ireland. With an EU Pet Passport , dogs, cats and ferrets are able to travel throughout the EU without enduring a quarantine period. Pets will require a microchip and rabies vaccination at minimum, proof of both is needed in order to obtain an EU Pet Passport . All documents must be issued by an official veterinarian within the EU. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your pet is fit and healthy to travel.

The documents required to travel with pets depends on which country you are travelling from, and which country you are travelling to. Each country has different rules and requirements to export and import pets. Requirements and restrictions also vary between pet species. We will discuss the requirements to travel to Ireland in detail below.

What does an Ireland Pet Passport contain?

An Ireland Pet Passport / EU Pet Passport contains all the documents required to travel with your pet. It will basically prove that your pet is fit and healthy to travel.

An Ireland Pet Passport contains the following information:

Details of ownership (name, address, passport number, telephone, etc.)
Description of the animal (name, species, breed, date of birth, etc.)
Official veterinarian’s details
Microchip information
Rabies vaccination certificate
Rabies antibody titer test results
Parasite treatment records
Additional vaccination and treatment records
Pet photo (optional)

At minimum, your Ireland pet passport will contain those listed 1-5. These are compulsory in order to travel within the EU. Those listed 6-9 are potential requirements that your pet may need if you are traveling from outside the EU or from certain countries.

All records are signed and stamped by your official EU veterinarian with official stickers from the medication used.

Currently, under the Pet Travel Scheme , only dogs cats and ferrets are able to obtain an Ireland Pet Passport or EU Pet Passports .

However, this doesn’t mean that you aren’t able to take other pets to Ireland with you. If you wish to travel with a bird, rabbit or rodent, you will simply need alternative documents in order to travel. We will discuss this in detail below.

RABBITS & RODENTS

Rabbits do not require rabies vaccinations or a health certificate if traveling from other EU states as well as Andorra, Switzerland, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and San Marino .

However, pet rabbits and rodents important to Ireland from any other non-EU rabies controlled country will require a health certificate. Furthermore, they will need to stay in quarantine for 4 months.

Birds are permitted to enter Ireland from other EU Member States or Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State .

However you will either need to travel with your bird, or provide an Owner’s Declaration. Furthermore, you will need to send an import form to the Department of Agriculture.

Birds entering Ireland with their owner or owner’s representative from other countries will need to meet the following requirements:

Application for a Licence to Import Pet Birds, health certificate and Owner’s Declaration must accompany your bird;
Your bird must reside in an OIE member country ;
You are not importing more than 5 birds;
Your bird must have undergone isolation for 30 days prior to export; OR
Two vaccinations against avian influenza with the H5 vaccine between 60 days and 6 months of import; OR
10 days of isolation and undergone a test to detect the H5N1antigen or genome; OR
30 days of quarantine in a registered premesis in the United Kingdom or other EU countries;
All permits must accompany birds that are covered by CITES; and
Export permits may be required by the wildlife authority in the exporting country.

Birds must be imported at either Dublin or Shannon Airport.

For more information on the Pet Travel Scheme, check out What is The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)? .

What is the process of obtaining a Pet Passport for Ireland?

VISIT THE VET

You will need to visit the vet to obtain your pet’s passport.

Before booking your appointment, check that your chosen vet is authorised to issue EU Pet Passports . Not all of them are.

At your appointment, your vet will administer your dog, cat or ferret with a microchip and rabies vaccination, if your pet hasn’t already had them. They will also perform a basic health examination to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Once the veterinarian is satisfied that your pet is ready for travel, they will review all the paperwork and complete the pet passport booklet.

If you are traveling with a bird, rodent or rabbit, you should obtain a health certificate. This is only a requirement to enter Ireland from non-EU countries, however many airlines will require a health certificate to transport pets. It’s also a good idea to have the health of your pet checked for yours and your pets own wellbeing.

You will need to bring the following with you to the vet appointment:

Your passport
Your local address
Microchip information (if your pet already has one) – date of implantation, chip number and issuing company information (this info is also on the Annex IV)
Pet’s rabies certificate or rabies titre test results no less than 21 days old (if your pet has one)
Annex IV form completed by your home vet and endorsed by your country’s official veterinary regulatory body (if you are from outside the EU)
Pet photo (optional but recommended) – the size should be 2 x 2 inches (5cm x 5cm). It is better to have one as you do not want to give any customs official a reason to deny your pet entry into a country.

If your pet hasn’t yet been microchipped or vaccinated against rabies, don’t worry, your vet will complete these at the appointment.

ORGANISE TRAVEL

You will then need to figure out how you are traveling to Ireland. The easiest option is to travel by car, however you can also travel by air. Traveling by air is far more complicated as airlines have very specific rules and regulations when it comes to traveling with pets. Some airlines may even prohibit certain pet species, and breeds from boarding their planes.

When importing pets to Ireland, you must:

1. Enter Ireland through Cork, Dublin or Shannon Airport, or Cork or Rosslare Port.

There are compliance checks that may need to be completed when pets enter Ireland. These can only be done at these specific ports of entry.

You can enter Ireland from any port if traveling to Ireland with a dog, cat or ferret from EU states, as well as Andorra, Switzerland, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and San Marino, you can enter at any port.

If you are traveling from any other country, you must enter through Cork, Dublin or Shannon Airport, or Cork or Rosslare Port.

2. Inform the Department of Agriculture in Ireland, if required.

All dogs, cats and ferrets traveling from outside the EU, or those traveling with other pet species from anywhere, must provide advanced notice to:

Dublin airport [email protected]
Shannon airport [email protected]
Cork airport [email protected]
Ringaskiddy port, Cork [email protected]
Rosslare ferry port [email protected]

3. Organise compliance checks for your pet in advance of your arrival to Ireland.

All dogs and cats will undergo a health check upon arrival in Ireland. They must be found free of any evidence of disease communicable to humans. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

You can email your port of entry (see contact email addresses above) and must include the following information:

Date and time of arrival;
Flight Number;
Number of animals to be checked; and
Paperwork the pet will be travelling with e.g. EU Pet Passport or EU (Annex III) Health Certificate.

If you do not follow these rules, or your pet fails the compliance checks, you risk being refused entry. Alternatively, your pet may be placed into quarantine for the necessary tests or vaccinations. In very limited circumstances, your pet may be euthanised.

Travelling to Ireland in a car or ferry

You can take your pets to Ireland on a ferry, with or without a car. However, some ferry companies do not allow foot passengers to bring pets on board. Therefore you may only be able to transport pets to Ireland in a car.

Some companies will charge extra to bring your pet on board, while others don’t.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to let the company know that you will be bringing your pet with you. It is best to do this well in advance to ensure for a smooth journey.

Many ferry companies require pets to stay inside vehicles, which is why foot passengers are not permitted to bring pets.

Travelling to Ireland by air

Traveling to Ireland with pets by air is far more complicated than traveling by car or ferry. This is because airlines have strict rules, regulations and restrictions when it comes to traveling with pets. Many airlines will not allow pets to travel on their planes at all, however there are some that will.

Traveling via air is far more expensive too, as you will need to pay extra to ship your pet. The price will vary between airlines, and depending on the weight and size of your pet.

1. Before booking your flight, be sure to check out different airline’s policies to ensure that you are able to take your pet with you.

Some airlines may allow your pet to travel in the cabin with you, where others will require pets to travel in the cargo area of the plane. If you have a small dog or cat, then you may be able to take them in the cabin with you. However, if you have a large dog then he will need to fly in the cargo.

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2. All pets must enter Ireland through Cork, Dublin or Shannon Airport.

All pets must enter through these airports, and must undergo a compliance check. They will check all of your documents and do a health check on your pet. You must organise this with your port of entry.

3. When booking your flight, inform the airline that you will be bringing your pet with you.

Do this as soon as you book your flight, as airlines often have limitations on how many pets they can ship at any given time.

4. Be sure to get an appropriate travel carrier and get your pet used to spending time in it.

Different airlines have different size and weight restrictions when it comes to pet travel carriers. Be sure to check those of your chosen airline. If traveling in the cabin of the plane, the carrier must be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

To ensure that the journey is as stress-free as possible for your pet, ensure they are comfortable in their travel carrier.

What are the requirements for an Ireland Pet Passport ?

In order to get an Ireland Pet Passport, your dog, cat or ferret requires the following:

REQUIREMENT 1: MICROCHIPPING

All dogs, cats and ferrets must have a microchip in order to obtain an Ireland Pet Passport. No other pet species require a microchip.

A microchip is a electronic chip that holds a unique number traceable with a chip reader. It is place just under your pet’s skin in between its shoulder blades.

We recommend that this is the first step in the process of obtaining an Ireland Pet Passport. This is because if your pet isn’t microchipped before they get their rabies vaccination, then the vaccination may not be valid. This would therefore mean your pet would have to get vaccinated again.

REQUIREMENT 2: RABIES VACCINATION

All dogs, cats and ferrets must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. No other pet species require rabies vaccinations.

In order to get an Ireland Pet Passport, you must be able to prove that your pet has had their rabies vaccination within the past year, but at least 21 days before your arrival in Ireland.

Ireland accepts the 3 year rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets. However, it should only be applied as a booster (not the initial vaccination).

Once your pet has entered Ireland, a 21 day waiting period is not required for subsequent visits, as long as their rabies boosters are kept up to date, and the other entry requirements are met.

If your pet is entering Ireland from a high-risk rabies country , it must wait for a minimum of 30 days after the primary or booster vaccination before receiving a rabies titer test. Please see below.

Rabies-controlled (listed Third) countries as classified by the European Union:

High-rabies (non-listed Third) countries as classified by the European Union:

It may be possible that you require the following:

Health certificate (ANNEX III Form)

REQUIREMENT 3: TAPEWORM TREATMENT

Dogs will need a tapeworm treatment if traveling from any country other than UK, Finland, Malta or Norway. This only applies for dogs.

All dogs must be wormed by a vet, with this recorded in their pet passport.

The treatment must contain praziquantel and must be administered by a veterinarian. This needs to be done between 5 days (120 hours) and 24 hours before returning to the UK, based on your arrival time in Ireland. If you fail to have your dog treated within this time scale, then he or she may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months.

REQUIREMENT 4: RABIES TITER TEST

All dogs, cats and ferrets traveling from a high-risk rabies country , must pass a rabies titer test (rabies blood test).

A rabies titer test is a blood test to see whether your pet’s rabies vaccination was successful. Your veterinarian will need to take a blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. The sample will then be sent to an EU -approved blood testing laboratory . The blood rest results must show that the vaccination was successful – i.e. your pet’s blood must contain at least 0.5 IU/ml of the rabies antibody.

You must wait 3 months before your pet can enter Ireland. If you do not wait 3 months, then your pet will be quarantined in Ireland for the remainder of the time.

REQUIREMENT5: HEALTH CERTIFICATE (ANNEX III FORM)

Dogs, cats and ferrets will not require a health certificate. However, all other pet species will.

Only dogs cats and ferrets are able to obtain official EU Pet Passports / Ireland Pet Passports. Rabbits, birds, rodents, reptiles and amphibians will require official health certificates.

Any pets being transported for commercial reasons, such as adoption and re-sale, must be accompanied by a health certificate. See section on commercial transport of pets below.

REQUIREMENT 6: CITES PERMIT

Only if your pet is an endangered species, you will need to apply for a CITES Permit.

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under CITES. You can check whether your pet is protected here .

How much does an Pet Passport for Ireland cost?

The cost of an Ireland Pet Passport is usually around £60-£100. The cost is broken down into the following costs:

Microchipping – £0-20
Rabies vaccination – £0-20+
Pet passport application – £60

Firstly, different countries and veterinary clinics will have different pricing for a pet passport. Check the prices of a few different veterinary clinics if you want to save some money. Some will also offer pet passport packages.

Additionally, some pets species may require more treatments and vaccines than others. For example, dogs may require a tapeworm treatment where cats and ferrets do not.

If your pet already has a microchip, and a recent rabies vaccination, you will probably pay less for your Ireland pet passport. This is because you will only be paying for the health check and the documents.

For more information on the cost of an EU Pet Passport , check How much does an EU Pet Passport cost? .

For information on how to get free microchipping in the UK check How to get Dog Microchipping for Free in the UK .

Any dogs, cats and ferrets being transported for commercial reasons, such as adoption and re-sale, require the following:

Valid rabies vaccination;
Undergo a health examination and be accompanied by an Annex I Health Form;
Be accompanied by original paperwork, signed by a licensed vet; and
A successful rabies titer test result.

Pets are only permitted to enter Ireland from a high-rabies country if they are accompanied by their owner or a legal representative of the owner.

DOCUMENT ENDORSEMENT

A licensed veterinarian must complete the English version of the commercial EU health certificate for Ireland within 48 hours of entry. If your pet is traveling from the US or Canada, the veterinarian must be accredited by the USDA or CFIA respectively and the commercial EU health certificate must be endorsed by the local USDA or CFIA office unless the certificate is completed by a military Veterinary Corps Officer or GS-0701 series civilian government veterinarian employed by the military. If traveling to Ireland from another country, then the forms must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals.

ADDITIONAL VACCINATIONS

All dogs must be vaccinated against distemper. If traveling from a country other than the UK, Finland, Malta or Norway must also be treated against tapeworms.

If your pet is entering Ireland from a rabies-controlled country , it must enter through an approved Border Inspection Post (London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports). You must give them at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

Which breeds are banned from entering Ireland?

The following breeds of dogs or their crosses are not banned but are controlled while in Ireland:

American Pit Bull Terrier;
English Bull Terrier;
Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
Bull Mastiff;
Doberman Pinscher;
German Shepherd (Alsatian);
Rhodesian Ridgeback;
Rottweiler;
Japanese Akita; and
Japanese Tosa.

Owners of these dog breeds are responsible for their pet’s actions, and are liable for injuries or attacks. In public places, they must be on a strong, short lead. The person holding your dog must be over 16 years old, and your dog must be muzzled. The court, if they deem the dog as dangerous, sadly has the power to have your dog euthanised.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Can I take my puppy or kitten to Ireland?

Yes, as long as your puppy or kitten is at least 4 months old. This is because Ireland requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies, which can only be administered to pets over the age of 3 months. You must then wait 21 days after the vaccination, before entering Ireland. Additionally, proof of age should be available.

Can I travel without an Ireland Pet Passport or EU Pet Passport

Yes, you may enter Ireland without an Ireland Pet Passport or EU Pet Passport as long as you have an EU Health Certificate (also known as EU Annex III Health Certificate.

What if I lose my Ireland Pet Passport?

If a passport is lost or stolen, it can be replaced as long as you have evidence of the animal’s vaccination record and blood test result (if applicable). Both records must also show your pet's microchip number. Details of the lost or stolen passport, including its serial number, country and date of issue (if known) should be recorded on the Pet Passport Control Sheet. We recommend that you scan photos of your pet passport in case you lose it.

Can I take my pet in the plane cabin with me?

It is a possibility yes. If you are the owner of a small dog or cat, then you may be able to take them in the cabin with you. However, only some airlines will allow this.

Taking pets to Ireland is pretty straightforward. If you are taking a dog, cat or ferret, you will need to get them an Ireland Pet Passport or an EU Pet Passport . This involves getting your pet microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at the vet. If you are taking another pet species with you, then they will not need a microchip or rabies vaccination, but you will need a health certificate at minimum. You may also require an import permit.

Traveling to Ireland with pets in a car or ferry is far simpler than flying. This is because airlines have strict rules and regulations to follow when traveling with pets. If you are planning on flying with pets to Ireland, ensure you select an airline that will permit the transport of your pet, and plan your trip well in advance.

Hope you have found this helpful. Happy travels!

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Bringing pets to Ireland

Introduction, special rules for travellers from ukraine and eu citizens travelling from russia, cats, dogs and ferrets – eu travel, cats, dogs and ferrets – non eu travel.

Pet birds, rabbits and rodents
Non-compliant pets
Further information and contacts

The information in this document is about bringing a pet to Ireland, and is not about buying a pet abroad, or bringing animals into Ireland for commercial purposes .

For EU rules to apply, you must travel to Ireland with your pet.

From 21 November 2022, if you bring your pet to Ireland, you must comply with all the requirements for pets entering Ireland from outside the EU/EEA.

If your pet is not fully complaint, it will be put in quarantine. You must pay for the quarantine.

You can read about the current arrangements in Ukrainian and Russian .

Faroe Islands
Lichtenstein
Northern Ireland
Switzerland
Vatican City State

Different rules apply if you are:

Buying a cat, dog or ferret abroad and having it shipped to Ireland
Shipping your cat, dog or ferret back to Ireland unaccompanied
Travelling to Ireland to sell a cat, dog or ferret
Travelling with more than 5 pets
Bringing your pet unaccompanied
Travelling from outside the EU or from a country not listed above (see ‘Coming from outside the EU’ below)

Detailed information about these situations is on the Government’s Pet Travel Portal.

The law governing the importation of cats, dogs and ferrets for non-commercial purposes is the Pet Travel (Cats, Dogs and Ferrets) Regulations 2020 .

Step 1 – Microchipping Your cat, dog or ferret must be microchipped before it is vaccinated against rabies. The microchip must be readable by a device compatible with ISO standard 11785. If you or your vet is unsure about the specifications of the microchip, you should contact the microchip manufacturer. Alternatively, you can carry your own microchip reader with you which can be used on your pet.

Step 2 – Vaccination Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine must be given after the microchip is inserted.

The waiting period does not apply to booster vaccinations, provided they are given BEFORE the date the previous rabies vaccine has run out.

Step 3 – Pet passport You need an EU pet passport issued by an EU country or one of the countries listed above, to enter Ireland. The pet passport must be stamped by a vet to show that the rabies vaccination has been given.

Step 4 – Tapeworm treatment If you are bringing a dog into Ireland, it must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) each time you travel to Ireland, unless you are travelling from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway. The treatment must be given by a vet between 1 and 5 days before you arrive in Ireland, and recorded in the pet passport.

Step 3 – EU pet passport, or EU health certificate If you have an EU pet passport the pet passport must be stamped by a vet registered in the EU to show that the rabies vaccination has been given. This is useful for Irish pets who are returning from holidays in a non-EU country.

If your cat, dog or ferret does not have a valid pet passport, you must get an EU Health Certificate signed and stamped by an official government veterinarian in the country you are travelling from..

After being checked and stamped on arrival into the EU, this Certificate is valid for 4 months, or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires – whichever is the earliest.

Step 4 – Blood test Your cat, dog or ferret must get a blood test called a Rabies serological test, if they are from a country or territory that is not a listed country or territory . If your country is not listed in the drop down menu on the Pet Travel portal, your pet needs a rabies blood test.

You must wait at least 30 days from the rabies vaccination before your pet gets its blood tested. The sample must be sent to an EU approved laboratory.

The blood test must show that the vaccination was successful. If it is successful, you must wait a further 3 months from the taking of the blood sample before travelling to Ireland.

You must bring the original test certificate, or a copy received from the lab, with you when you come to Ireland.

If the blood test is taken in a non-EU country, the three month waiting period will always apply.

Step 5 – Tapeworm treatment If you are bringing a dog into Ireland from a non-EU country, it must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) each time you travel to Ireland. The treatment must be given by a vet between 1 and 5 days before you come to arrive in Ireland, and recorded in the pet passport or EU health certificate.

Step 6 – Advance notice You must tell the Irish port or airport authorities at least 24 hours before your arrival, but ideally in the week or so before travel. You must only enter Ireland at the following ports and airports. Advance notice should be emailed to:

Dublin Airport – [email protected]
Dublin Port – [email protected]
Shannon Airport – <astyle=color:#722D68; href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]
Cork Airport – [email protected]
Ringaskiddy Port, Cork – [email protected]
Rosslare Europort – [email protected]

Step 7 – Compliance check Your pet must undergo a compliance check on arrival into Ireland from a non-EU country. This is arranged using the email addresses above.

Further information may be found here

For information on Commercial Dog, Cat or Ferret Movements , please click here

*All information is correct as of July 2023. DogStop accepts no responsibility for information being out of date on this page, but we will endeavour to keep all information as up to date as possible.

This information is not extensive.

If you see anything that does not look right, please let us know at [email protected]

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10 airlines that allow pets in cabin to Ireland

Updated On: August 31, 2023 | Published On: August 28, 2023

Where Are The Points of Entry?

Cork Airport
Dublin Airport
Dublin Port
Port of Cork – Ringaskiddy
Rosslare Port
Shannon Airport

What Pet Travel Documents Are Required?

Which airlines allow pets on flights to/from ireland.

Due to changes in the baggage system at Dublin Airport, pets are no longer permitted in the hold on flights from Dublin. However, they are allowed to travel as cargo.
Due to restrictions set by the UK, pets are not permitted in the cabin on flights to London, or in the hold on flights to/from London. This includes flights between Ireland and the UK. They may, however, be permitted to be transported as cargo but you will have to book that with a specialized freight agent.
In addition to any rules and regulations specific to each carrier, traveling with a pet from outside the EU to Ireland will require that you satisfy all of the conditions laid out by the European Commission.

Delta Air Lines

Tap air portugal.

Pets per passenger - 1
Pets allowed - dogs and cats
Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
Maximum carrier dimensions - 46 x 28 x 24 cm
Additional Fee - €70 for domestic flights, to €125 for flights in Europe up to €200 for long-haul
Additional information - Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old
Pets per passenger - 2
Pets allowed - dogs, cats, and household birds
Maximum weight - No weight restriction.
Maximum carrier dimensions - Depends on the aircraft
Additional Fee - €200 (or USD, if your flight originates from the United States) for international flights
Additional information - Pets must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.
Pets per passenger - 2
Pets allowed - dogs, cats, fish, tortoises, and birds (except birds of prey)
Maximum carrier dimensions - 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm
Additional Fee - €60 for flights within Europe, and €180 for flights to America and Asia
Additional information - Animals are not permitted in the hold (AVIH) on flights from Dublin . However, they are permitted to travel as cargo. 2 pets of the same species are allowed in one carrier.
the flight originates from Dublin Airport.
The flight is on a Boeing 787-9 or Boeing 787-10.
The flight has a transfer time of over 3 hours.
Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
Maximum carrier dimensions - 46 x 28 x 24 cm
Additional Fee - from €75 to €400 each way
Additional information - Pets are welcome in the cabin when traveling in Economy Class, or Business Class within Europe
Maximum carrier dimensions - 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Additional Fee - €60 for flights within Europe, and up to €110 for long-haul flights
Maximum carrier dimensions - 43 x 31 x 20 cm
Additional Fee - from €55-€75 if paid online or €60-85 at the airport
Additional information - Only 2 pets per flight, however, up to three very small puppies or kittens in the same container may be booked as one animal. You must check in at least one hour before departure when traveling with a pet.
Maximum carrier dimensions - 45x30x23cm
Additional Fee - Between €40 - €160 depending on flight
Additional information - No mixed breeds and must be at least 12 weeks old
Maximum carrier dimensions - 40 x 30 x 24 cm
Additional Fee - €50
Additional information - pets must be at least 15 weeks old
Pets allowed - dogs, cats, birds (excluding birds of prey) and tortoises
Maximum carrier dimensions - 45 x 39 x 21 cm
Additional Fee - €50 for domestic flights and €60 for international flights
Additional information - pets must be at least 12 weeks old. 2 pets are allowed in the same carrier.

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Flying To and From Ireland with a Dog

Given that it’s an island, the easiest way to travel to and from Ireland is by flying. This includes if you’re travelling with a dog, especially a dog small enough to fly in the cabin. While the United Kingdom has a strict ban on pet dogs flying into the country in the cabin, there is no such prohibition in the Republic of Ireland, although not all airlines offer the option. Find out more about flying to Ireland with a dog.

Are Dogs Allowed to Fly To Ireland?

Like many people, I used to have the erroneous belief that dogs aren’t allowed to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights into the Republic of Ireland, the same as for the United Kingdom . However, this is not true about flying to Ireland with a dog (or at least not true these days, perhaps the rules have changed).

Dogs don’t need to fly as cargo into the Republic of Ireland. They can fly in the cabin or larger dogs can fly as checked baggage, if the airline allows. So the answer to can I fly to Ireland with my dog is yes, depending on the airline.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, “it is up to the airline to decide whether to carry the animal in the cabin or as excess baggage” (as previously stated on the Department of Agriculture website). There is no obligation to use a cargo handling company, it is “a matter for the airlines to decide how the pet is carried”.

What About Flights Out of Ireland?

Dogs are also allowed to fly out of Republic of Ireland in the cabin or as checked baggage. There is no need for dogs to fly as cargo when leaving Ireland.

Up until recently, dogs were not able to fly out of Dublin Airport as excess baggage, due to an “upgrade” of their baggage system. However, as of 31 January 2024, this is again possible, with the re-introduction of a screening facility for pets in Terminal 1, which is used for pets flying out of both Terminals 1 and 2.

Are There Any Pet-Friendly Airlines in Ireland?

There are two main Irish airlines: Aer Lingus and Ryanair. Neither airline is pet-friendly, with neither airline allowing pets in the cabin or as excess baggage, whether on flights within Ireland or to and from Ireland.

Aer Lingus is the flag-carrier airline of the Republic of Ireland. Only trained service dogs are allowed in the cabin, subject to certain conditions. Previously they flew pets as excess baggage on selected flights, but Aer Lingus now only flys pets as cargo, booked through IAG Cargo.

The Irish budget airline Ryanair does not permit pets to fly at all. Only guide and assistance dogs are permitted to fly on selected routes. There is no option to fly pets as cargo.

Which Airlines Fly Pets To and From Ireland?

So, given that neither Aer Lingus or Ryanair permit pets to travel in the cabin or as excess baggage on flights to and from Ireland, which airlines can you use to travel to Ireland with a pet? In particular, which airlines allow pets in the cabin to and from Ireland?

It can be tricky to find a suitable airline. For instance, quite a few European airlines specify on their website that they don’t fly pets in the cabin on flights to and from Ireland, the same as flights to the UK.

On the other hand, many other airlines don’t specify whether they do fly dogs to and from Ireland, meaning you need to contact the airline directly to find out the latest policy, with policies sometimes changing.

These are some pet-friendly European and American airlines that currently fly pets to and from the Republic of Ireland, based on information on their websites and reports from recent travellers.

Aegean Airlines (Greece)

Start planning for a Greek vacation, with Aegean Airlines having no restrictions on pets in the cabin or hold on flights to and from Ireland. I’ve flown with Aegean before with my dog and been quite pleased with their service. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Air Canada (Canada)

If you’re travelling between Canada and Ireland with your dog, the best option is Air Canada. They specify online that pets are permitted both in the cabin and hold on flights to Dublin, although not flights to Shannon.

Pets are also allowed in both the cabin and hold on any flight leaving Ireland, except for in the hold on flights departing Dublin due to the baggage system issue. Just ensure the flight doesn’t have a stopover in the UK.

When flying with a pet in the cabin on Air Canada, there is no maximum weight limit, just a maximum carrier size for soft-sided carriers of 55 x 40 x 27cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 10.5 inches). Rigid carriers should be no taller than 23cm (9 inches).

Air France (France)

I’ve heard reports that Air France allows pets to travel in the cabin and hold on flights to and from Dublin, although there is no mention of this on their website , other than to check with the embassy for the requirements of pets flying into Ireland.

Note that Air France does not fly pets in the Business cabin on intercontinental flights. An 8kg limit applies for pets flying in the cabin.

Air Transat (Canada)

Fellow Canadian airline Air Transat also allows pets in the cabin on flights out of Dublin, but not to Dublin. Only pre-arranged certified service dogs are allowed on flights to Dublin. Otherwise, both small and large pets must fly as cargo on other flights to and from Ireland.

No hard-sided carriers are permitted on Air Transat flights, only soft-sided carriers up to 43.2 x 25.5 x 24.1cm (17 x 10 x 9.5 inches). There is a weight limit of 10kg.

Delta (USA)

If you’re travelling from the USA to Ireland with a dog, the best option is to fly with Delta . I’ve heard multiple reports from people flying between various airports in the USA and Dublin with Delta. On the other hand, United Airlines doesn’t allow pets in the cabin both to and from Dublin.

Note though that I’ve heard recent reports on an embargo on pets in the hold – although this doesn’t affected pets in the cabin. (Let me know if you hear when this is over.) There was also concerns in early 2024 that Delta was no longer allowing pets in the cabin, but this is due to some old, incorrect information on the Delta website.

Delta does not have a weight limit for pets in the cabin. The maximum size of the pet carrier depends on the aircraft, but Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” (45.7 x 27.9 x 27.9cm).

Iberia (Spain)

The Iberia website states that pets are not permitted to fly as excess baggage on flights departing Dublin, due to the baggage system upgrade, only as cargo. However, this implies that dogs can fly in the cabin or as excess baggage on other flights to and from Ireland.

Iberia flies between Madrid and Dublin, with an 8kg weight limit for pets in the cabin, including their carrier.

Iberia Express (Spain)

The Iberia Express website states that pets are allowed in the cabin on flights from Madrid to Dublin and vice versa. Larger pets are also accepted as excess baggage on flights from Madrid to Dublin (but not leaving Dublin due to the restrictions of the baggage system) – instead they can fly as cargo.

Iberia Express only fly between Madrid and Dublin. Like most European airlines, they have an 8kg weight limit for pets in the cabin.

KLM (Netherlands)

While there is no indication on their website whether or not they allow pets on flights to and from Ireland, I have heard multiple reports that pets are allowed on KLM flights to and from Dublin, both in the cabin and in the hold. Make sure it is an actual KLM flight, not a codeshare.

Note also that pets are not allowed in the hold on flights operated with a Boeing 787-9 or 787-10 aircraft or where there is transfer time of longer than 3 hours. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Norwegian (Norway)

I’ve recently heard reports that budget airline Norwegian allows pets to fly in cabin on its flights to and from Ireland. Note, however, that according to their website they still don’t accept larger pets to fly to and from Ireland as excess baggage in the hold.

I’ve confirmed that you can add a dog or cat in the cabin when making a booking on their website. An 8kg weight limit applies. Norwegian flies between Dublin and Gardermoen Airport in Oslo.

TAP Air Portugal (Portugal)

While TAP Air Portugal make clear on their website that they don’t fly pets in the cabin to the UK, there is no prohibition on flying pets in the cabin or the hold to or from Ireland. They do mention that if you are flying pets into Ireland from outside the EU you must inform the authorities.

TAP Air Portugal regularly fly between Lisbon and Dublin. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Transavia & Transavia France (Netherlands & France)

Transavia states on their website that they can’t fly pets to all destinations – but don’t exclude Ireland (unlike the UK), and they do fly between Dublin and Orly Airport in Paris.

Both cats and dogs are permitted to fly in the cabin and hold, although their weight limit for pets in the cabin has been reduced from 10kg to 8kg .

Vueling (Spain)

Spanish budget airline Vueling states in their pet policy that pets can be booked in the cabin on its flights to and from Ireland by calling its service centre or at the airport on the day of the flight, subject to limits on the total number of pets.

Note that Vueling doesn’t fly pets as excess baggage, and they recently reduced their weight limit for pets in the cabin back down to 8kg. I’ve flown multiple times with my dog on Vueling and have enjoyed the flights.

Let me know which airlines you have used to fly to and from Ireland with a pet! Additionally, if you have issues flying with any of these airlines, leave a comment.

What About Flying to Ireland from the UK?

While there are a handful of airlines that will fly pets in the cabin out of the UK, I am not aware of any airline that flies pets in the cabin from the UK to Ireland. This is partially because virtually no British airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin, as well as no Irish airlines, as discussed above.

The same issue applies for flyings dogs as excess baggage to Ireland. The only option available is to fly dogs as cargo, also in the hold, with one of the few British or Irish airlines that allows this.

The easier alternative is to instead take a ferry with your dog to Ireland . There are multiple ferries that permit pets on board, including with foot passengers. And as of 2023 an increasing number have better facilities for pets, including pet-friendly cabins on many of the Stena Line ferries.

Requirements to Travel to Ireland with a Dog

Before flying to the Republic of Ireland with your dog, make sure you tick off all the requirements for dogs to be transported to the country. At a minimum, pet dogs require a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccine done at least 21 days ago, and an EU pet passport or EU pet health certificate. Check out my guides on travelling from another EU country or from outside of Europe to an EU country.

Additionally, pets travelling to Ireland also require a worming treatment, done between 24 hours and five days of arriving in the country. It should be recorded in your pet’s passport or on their pet health certificate. The only exception is for dogs travelling directly from Finland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway (but no longer the rest of the United Kingdom).

Additionally, if you are flying directly to Ireland from outside of the EU, an additional step is required.

Preparation for Flying a Dog to Ireland from Outside of the EU

If you are flying directly to Ireland from outside of the EU or a list of related countries (Andorra, Gibraltar, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City), there is an additional requirement for dogs.

You need to provide advance notice of your intention to bring your pet to Ireland, at least one working day in advance. You need to fill out and email this form , or email the details of your arrival, to the relevant email address. Pets can only fly to Cork, Dublin and Shannon Airports.

On arrival, your pet will be met and undergo compliance checks. This will usually be carried out at the port or airport. A fee will apply (approximately €50), except for pets arriving from Great Britain. For full details, see this page .

Before boarding your flight, you may be required to present confirmation from the airport that your animal has been booked in for the compliance checks. Keep this handy along with the rest of your paperwork.

Pet Relief Areas at Airports in Ireland

Like most airports in Europe, none of the airports in Ireland have pet relief areas that I am aware of. This includes the most likely airport you will fly in and out of, Dublin Airport .

Considering that Dublin Airport still hasn’t rectified the long-term issue with their baggage handling system, that has stopped pets flying in the hold departing Dublin since 2021, I am not holding my breath for a Dublin Airport pet relief area!

The Dublin Airport website states in their FAQ that only guide and assistance dogs are allowed inside the terminal. However, presumably dogs in carriers and crates, that will be boarding a flight, must be allowed inside Dublin Airport, too.

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

41 thoughts on “Flying To and From Ireland with a Dog”

Hello! I have experience of flying my dog in cabin in and out of Dublin to Madrid with Iberia Express in the last year. Has anyone flown with pet in cabin in and out of Dublin to Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal? I’m looking at it as a route for this year. I cannot find an email address or phone number to ring them to check what their policy is, other than it is to add pet in cabin to end of booking online. Anyone fellow dog travellers ever used this route?

Although I haven’t heard from anyone recently who has flown with TAP Portugal to and from Dublin, I recently heard confirmation they will fly dogs out of Heathrow in the cabin, so I would be hopeful. There’s a range of contact information including local offices and a form at: https://www.flytap.com/en-ca/support/contacts

I don’t have an answer for you but am hoping you can help me. Does Dublin airport have a pet relief area? My daughter will be traveling through there with her service dog. She has a long layover in Dublin and we can’t find anything about a pet relief area.

Thanks so much for these numbers Shandos. I will make contact and report back my findings to the fellow travellers.

Thanks Clara!

I have called Lufthansa, KLM, SwissAiR…none of them transport pets to Dublin. I have a cat in cabin. Besides Iberia do you guys know of any other alternative?

I’ve asked around for extra suggestions for European airlines. (Most of the recent reports I’ve heard are from Americans and Canadians, hence why I know Delta and Air Canada fly this route.) Someone said they thought Air France flies this route, but this said KLM also did the last time they checked. Perhaps reach out to Air France?

KLM and AirFrance transport pets in cabin to Dublin, I flew with my dog last week.

Lufthansa not but KLM yes, i travel with my pet to Dublin 4 times per year and always with KLM. Unfortunately from April they raised price so much from €55 per one way to €125 so my round trip now in July will cost more for 2,5 kg chihuahua will cost more than for myself. Lufthansa take dog in cabin from Ireland but not to Ireland so you can fly somewhere with Lufthansa with your pet from Ireland €55 but you need to back with KLM or Air France or Ferry.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

This is a huge help, thanks! I am desperately trying to fly back to Ireland from Switzerland. I have already tried Swiss and KLM without success. I will try Air France now.

Sorry, I don’t believe that Dublin has a pet relief area. There’s still fairly rare in Europe.

None of the big companies would even touch Dublin ( not even cargo) since last year. But I’ve heard the small cost ones are less concerned about strict regulations. Vueling looks promising.

I am flying with my dog from Dublin to rest of the Europe often, I can recommend KLM, AirFrance, Aegean Airlines, Vueling and Norwegian. They are all pet friendly in cabin.

Thanks for the heads up Kate!

Hi Kate, I am flying from Dublin with KLM with my dog in the cabin. This is our first time. Are they very strict about the kennel size?is there any dedicated point for pets check in?

You need soft bag, soft carrier not that plastic kennel.

Hi Kate, I am travelling with my dog by KLM in May. This is our first time. Could you advise me about the all procedure. Do I have to be earlier then usual at the airport?does the kennel in plane has to be place under the seat or can be just under your legs?

Olga – In my experience flying with my pet in the cabin, you will need to check-in in person, so I always allow plenty of time to do this. Most airlines require the carrier to be under the seat in front, but this is not enforced by all airlines, or it might only be enforced during take-off and landing. I would recommend making sure it can fit underneath for this periods.

I am trying to find an airline that will let me fly from Dublin Ireland to Phoenix Arizona on July 1st with my 6lb Chihuahua in the cabin. I really struggling to find an airline, Do anyone know which airlines that accepts dogs in the cabin? Desperately looking for help or advice. Thank you, Faye B

Have you tried Delta? Although I don’t know which cities Delta flies to from Dublin, you might need to be flexible with connections. Alternatively, look into flying firstly to Canada with Air Canada or Air Transat.

How is it possible that no changes have been made to the baggage system for carrying pets in the hold? Completely ridiculous since it pretty much forces you to pay thousands for other cargo companies. Leaving pets behind is just not an option and nothing is being updated or addressed.

It’s pretty shocking that this is still the case after so long!

Hi I have a basset hound who I hoped to get from Ireland to italy in the cabin, she is a smaller dog but heavy as bassets are, is there options of booking a extra seat or has anyone mangaged a connection from ireland to Italy?

I’m not sure if any of the Italian airlines fly out of Ireland, but I know Vueling do, and they have a weight limit of 10kg including the carrier. is that enough? There’s only a few airlines that allow you to buy an extra seat for a dog (and sometimes the same weight limit still applies), see https://www.travelnuity.com/which-airlines-will-allow-you-buy-a-seat-for-your-dog/ .

Otherwise, if you don’t want to put your pup in the hold, the best alternative is one of the ferries from Ireland to the Continent, then the train.

Hi, I have been trying to get my dog over from South Africa with Qatar Airways, which initially said all was fine to do so before booking my tickets with them. Out GS Pointer will be flying AVIH in Hold. The latest restriction to allow the booking is that Dublin isn’t allowing and pets above 32kg. However I cannot seem to find any such restrictions. Would you possibly know if this is true and if so where to find the info? Or info where it states otherwise? Any help would be appreciated

I know there are issues with flying dogs as AVIH out of Dublin, due to the current baggage system. But I haven’t heard this restriction for flying into Dublin. Someone in my FB group may know more, I recommend joining and asking: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw

Hi I am just wondering is there any airlines that fly from Dublin to London and back again that allow my tiny dog on board. I can’t find a definitive answer anywhere….

None of the flights into the UK allow dogs in the cabin. While the reverse is possible, due to no British or Irish airlines allowing dogs in the cabin, I don’t believe this is available. The best alternative is to instead take one of the ferries to and from Ireland, some which have pet-friendly cabins.

Hey, I’m just wondering does Dublin airport have any facilities for allowing dogs to go to the toilet after you’ve gone through security but before you board the flight?

Pet relief areas are fairly uncommon in Europe, and I haven’t heard any reports of one in Dublin, so I’d expect there isn’t anything.

Hello! My dog has an EU pet passport from The Netherlands, but we are all based currently in USA. We are going to fly to NL soon, and may have a layover in Ireland this time. What are the policies for the layover? Is this allowed? How does that all work? Thanks very much!

With the EU pet passport, it makes no difference if you are travelling to the Netherlands or to Ireland. As long as it has a valid rabies vaccine that hasn’t expired, entered last time you were in the EU, it is valid for travel to the EU instead of an EU pet health certificate. One extra thing for Ireland – your dog will also need a worming treatment done by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days of arriving in Ireland (see above for more details). This can be entered in the EU pet passport by a non-EU vet (just don’t touch the rabies section) or on your vet’s letterhead. Your airline might also require a health certificate.

Hello Shandos,

I want to travel with my pet from Ireland to India. He arrived last year to Ireland in the hold as excess baggage in Dublin airport but like you said the current restrictions won’t let me take him the same way back to India. Given this situation, I wanted to know have you heard anyone trying to fly outside Ireland with pet in hold from any other airports like Cork?

I also have one more doubt, so basically it’s at the airlines discretion that the pet can be allowed to fly in hold from Dublin or it’s the Dublin airport rule?

If I am left with no options, I will have to stick to cargo which I belive is going to put a hole in my pocket.

Please share some advice.

Regards, Vishal

Sorry, I haven’t heard reports of people flying out of Ireland from other airports with their pet in the hold, as most people I talk to are flying with pets in the cabin and aren’t affected. And this is a Dublin airport rule – it’s due to a change in their baggage system. Best of luck with your trip!

Hey, any used Turkish airlines to fly into Dublin with pet in cabin? Please someone say yes! 🥹 this is a plan B for us so really hoping….

I haven’t heard reports of people flying pets on Turkish Airlines to Dublin, but looking at their website they don’t rule this out, only flying pets into UK airports. I recommend calling up to book or seeing if it’s possible to book on their website.

I’m planning a trip from Ireland to Brazil. Have anyone done it ?? Thanks

I recommend asking in the group Animal Travelers, https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnimalTravelers . There are a lot of people who have flown between different places.

Bringing a Dog to Ireland from the USA, a Detailed Guide [by a local]

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Have you been wondering about bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA?

Bringing a Dog from the United States to Ireland can be challenging. There are a lot of logistics to figure out from the paperwork to navigating the flight.

Thank goodness we have a helpful guide created by someone who has tons of experience making this journey. Jennifer has traveled often between Ireland and the US with her 5 pets including her dog Zoe.

Now she put what she has learned into a fantastic guide! She has a number of pro tips that you may not have thought of before. Keep reading to learn more about bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA.

We moved from Texas to Ireland and go back to the US to visit with our smallest (19 years young!) doggo, Zoe.

I thought I would write a post about our trips to Dublin for those that are interested in trans-Atlantic traveling with a pet in the cabin and have anxiety about the unknown like myself! I tried to put as much detail as possible.

A sleeping Chihuahua flew to Ireland from the USA

Zoe the Irish-American Chihuahua

Zoe is a 19-year-old Chihuahua

Zoe moved from Austin, Texas to Ireland with her owner Jennifer Dundee Reeder.

Zoe was a regular pet traveler in the US and has continued to fly internationally.

Jennifer has spent many years working at a veterinary hospital, so she knows a lot about making sure pets are healthy and safe.

Can I fly my dog to Ireland with me?

Yes, you absolutely can fly your dog and cat to Ireland with you!

If you are bringing a pet to Ireland from the USA, you need to comply with certain requirements including proof of rabies vaccine connected to your pet’s microchip. Additionally for Ireland & UK (but not all EU countries), a required tapeworm treatment. If you are traveling to the EU for the first time or on holiday, you will also need a USDA-endorsed certificate from your vet to enter the EU.

How to Travel with My Dog to Ireland

Dogs and cats can both fly to Ireland from the United States. Depending on the size, the pet may fly in the cabin or under the plane.

If you have traveled to Ireland or anywhere else, share your story to help fellow pet travelers and stamp your Paws Passport .

Traveling between US and Ireland with a dog in cabin

Since Zoe is only 5lb/2kg she is quite tote-able and can travel with me in the cabin .

We fly Delta, we find them to be the most pet-friendly in-cabin airline. Zoe flew frequently with us domestically in the US before our move to Ireland.

Pet Reservations with Delta Airlines

You cannot add a pet to your flight reservation online with Delta, you must call customer service. You can book a ticket and then call, or just call reservations and book, adding your pet at that time

Pro Tip: Sometimes the reservations line wait times are shorter.

Pet airport check-in

You cannot check-in online or through the app when you have a pet, you must check in at the counter, so allow extra time.

We check in at the “special needs” line at Delta. The customer service counter person will check the Rabies vaccine and give you a bright green “Delta Authorized” tag for your bag .

They may not let you board without this tag, so make sure they give you a receipt, boarding pass or tag for your pet before you leave the desk!

Cost for flying with a pet on Delta Airlines in-cabin

The fee is $200 each way at the time I’m writing, payable at the time of check-in.

A Chihuahua is in a pet carrier on a Delta Airlines flight from the USA to Ireland

Delta Air Lines’ pet carrier requirements

The max dimensions for your pet’s travel bag are usually noted on your airline’s website. No one has ever measured Zoe’s bag, but for Delta, it is 18″x11″x11″ .

That size slides nicely under the seats.

No one on any of our trips has ever checked if Zoe can stand up or move around.

We smush her dog bed in there with her, so not really. She’s not super mobile anyway, so it’s never been a concern for us. We are more worried that she is warm and comfy when she snoozes.

If your dog isn’t crate trained or is struggling in the bag, they might have more to say about it.

Going through airport security with a pet

You do have to carry your pet through security outside of their bag, so if you have a darter or cat, make sure you have a harness already.

How do I prepare my dog for a 10-hour flight?

The path we take from the US to Ireland is Austin – JFK – Dublin. It’s a long journey, but we have developed a strategy that works for us.

Feeding and Potty Breaks

Zoe *refuses* to use the pet potty rooms at airports . I mean REFUSES. So we have come up with this system.

We keep her out of the kennel as much as possible prior to the flight.

What works for us is this:

✅ Feed her early (6-7am) ✅ Schedule our flight for late morning (10-12pm). ✅ We go ahead and feed her a full meal because she will poop right after she eats usually and then sleep. (Old dog things). ✅ We also take a small, collapsible bowl in case she demands water. Keeping them hydrated is important, but since bathroom breaks aren’t easy, use your best judgment. ✅ We try to get a 3-5 hour flight for our first leg, so Austin to JFK is great at close to 4. This seems short but with parking/check-in/security/take-off delays/de-planing, by the time we arrive, she’s been in her bag for a good 7-8 hours. ✅ We try to have a 3+ hour layover whenever possible. We first always still attempt to let her potty in the pet area. Still a no. So we go and find a semi-free corner in a gate area and build her a little playpen with our carry-ons. We put down a potty pad or 2, and water. She walks in circles for a few mins and then *potty time*.

On one flight she would NOT settle and my husband took her to the bathroom with a potty pad and she randomly needed to pee.

Bringing dogs on a plane

During the flight, she is mostly silent and sleeping. Most flight crew never even realize she’s on board.

Pro Tip: We have found taking snacks that crumble into her bed so she kind of has to root around for them helps keep her quiet in case she is jostled awake by bumps.

We have sneakily removed her from her bag and held her before and have about a 50% success rate with the flight crew that thinks she’s adorable and 50% that ask us to keep her in the bag. I don’t know that this would generally be allowed, but we got away with it. It helps that she’s very small and can hide under a strategically placed sweatshirt.

We have also done the trick (when I was a much more anxious flier) of giving the flight crew Starbucks gift cards or small treat bags with a little Thank You from Zoe. This generally bought us some goodwill in case she got fussy. But we are much more confident in her behavior now and haven’t done this in a while.

Is sedating my pet for a long-haul flight a good idea?

A lot of people ask about meds or sedation. Most airlines will require you to sign something stating your pet is not sedated.

Personally, having many many years of working in veterinary hospitals, I would agree. The health risks are not worth it. I am always anxious that someone will be bothered by Zoe whining or barking, but she rarely does and when it happens the white noise from the plane drowns her out AND 98% of people wear headphones on planes now anyway.

The most trying time is when they serve hot food. Zoe is NOT happy being in a bag locked away from all the food, so we usually pre-empt the rolling cart of chicken smells with a few treats.

The mental after-effects for your pet in being anxious but unable to move normally because of sedation like acepromazine can dangerously raise their heart rate and cause issues afterward.

That being said, Zoe already takes gabapentin and CBD for her arthritis and it usually chills her out for a while after she eats. So, use your best judgment and consult with your vet.

Pro Tip: Some people thoroughly exercise their pets before flights. I am not a huge fan of pre-flight cardio because it can dehydrate them or make them gulp water and then need to pee. The better idea is mental stimulation – lots of sniffing, gentle play, hide and seek, puzzle games, etc. This tires them out mentally, makes them more likely to snooze longer, and reduces anxiety.

Airport Layovers with our furry friends

A Chihuahua is at a JFK Airport gate during a layover on a flight to Ireland from the USA. It is wearing a sweatshirt and surrounded by bags.

We try to have a 3+ hour layover whenever possible. While this seems like a LONG time to spend at the delightful JFK, we have found it actually works in our favor.

✅ We go and find a semi-free corner in a gate area and build her a little enclosure with our bags. ✅ Zoe will eat, poop, and walk in circles for a few more minutes, then be ready for bed. ✅ Then we pack up and find some food for ourselves. ✅ If we have extra time before our flight, we camp at our gate and let her walk around in her playpen again. We try to keep her walking and awake as long as possible before we board for Ireland. ✅ She is very shaky when walking at this point so a leash is not a great option for her. If your dog is larger or more mobile you may not need these extra steps, they can just walk with you. But we had to improvise for our special needs girl! We try to find out-of-the-way spots for us to camp in, but no one has ever bothered us before.

Is it safe to fly dogs in cargo?

When we moved from Austin to Dublin, I hired a pet relocation company based out of Austin, Pets With Passports , to help coordinate our 5 animals. The relocation company was wonderful by the way. My 5 pets all flew cargo at the same time together .

What do I need to take my dog to Ireland from the USA?

The USDA APHIS states you will need proof of Rabies vaccine, microchip and additionally for Ireland & UK (but not all EU countries)- a required tapeworm treatment. This must be administered at the vet, no more than 5 days prior to landing at your final destination.

Rabies Vaccine

A receipt for the Rabies vaccine from your vet is not enough, you will need an endorsed certificate that have your pet’s microchip listed.

Many say they need to be signed in blue ink, not black … but I have never been stopped or had a cert questioned with a black ink.

Many vets have computer-generated signatures on these forms now, and customs seem to accept this. If you are concerned, make sure to note to your vet beforehand so they can print and sign additional certs for you without the computer signature. I would request 2 copies. (Never hurts to have an extra on hand!)

It is important for the rabies vaccine to be recorded with the microchip number, so you will want to get the microchip before the vaccine.

Tapeworm treatment

The UK and Ireland have an additional requirement of a tapeworm treatment that is not required by most of the EU countries

This must be administered at the vet no more than 5 days prior to landing at your final destination.

Pro Tip: I worked at a vet for years and my preferred time frame is 2 days prior to flying . This is because even if your pet has no worms, the meds can cause tummy upset the next day or so after administering and flying with vomiting and/or diarrhea-having dog is no one’s idea of a good time. But doing it at 4 or 5 days runs the risk of concern with a canceled or reschedule flight bumping you out of your 5-day window. So 2-3 days out is my preference!

If you are an EU resident (like I am), the vet just records the date and time administered in her pet passport.

As an American traveling, I would pre-type out a letter stating

“I have administered __ med at __ dose to pet known as __, microchip # __ traveling with __, on _date_ at _time_.”

Have the vet write and sign the letter. Get them to put a stamp from their clinic (they all should have one) with their contact info phone/address etc. Keep this signed letter with the receipt from the tapeworm visit.

Again, the medication must be administered by a vet at the office, don’t let them send you home with it, and the receipt alone may not be enough.

Health certificate – USDA endorsed

Bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA : If you are traveling to the EU for the first time or on holiday, you will also need a USDA-endorsed certificate from your vet to enter the EU.

There is a high cost associated with it usually, but be kind to your vet! It is a laborious process and they are liable if even the smallest detail is wrong.

You will need to travel with 2 copies, as sometimes customs likes to take the original.

The USDA certificate must be signed by YOUR vet and a second USDA vet .

The exam for the health certificate by your vet can be done up to 30 days prior to travel .

The USDA must endorse it within only 10 days . This is the most stressful part, truthfully.

The USDA prioritizes based on flight dates, so sometimes you will only receive it 1 or 2 days prior to flying. *stress*. You can call and check with them if you are freaking out. But remember if your departure point to the airport is not your house, the certificate/FedEx has to track you down – so keep that in mind when traveling!

Pro Tip: A great thing to do is ask your vet if they do many travel certificates. Vets that have experience with this timing tend to have the process down a bit more efficiently than vets who rarely do them. Vets physically nearer to international airports are generally better at these! Not just any vet can sign, they must have a special certification- so check that as well!

What Happens Once We Arrive at the Dublin Airport With My Pet?

“advanced notice” to the irish airport authorities.

Prior to your arrival in Dublin, you must contact the Port Authority and schedule a compliance check.

They are open 7 days a week 9 am to 7pm. If you land outside those hours, it’s a bit more complicated so I would advise trying to find a flight that complies.

You just email them at [email protected] and they will send you a link to a simple form to fill out with your pet and flight info, scan and send back.

You should try to give them 7-14 days notice. If your flight changes, make sure to update them ASAP. They have your flight#, so will know if it’s cancelled, but still email them and let them know your new schedule.

Local Tip: I will say for Dublin in particular, the national slogan is “It’ll be grand.” Everyone is very easy going and I’ve yet to meet anyone who is out to find errors or reasons to tell you NO. This country loves to be chill and helpful, so don’t be stressy when traveling here! I print out and keep a copy of the confirmation email for the Compliance appointment you receive after submitting your form. Sometimes the airline reps will ask to see it.

Immigration and Customs for pets at the Dublin Airport

The sign for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the Dublin Airport. This is where pet paperwork is checked upon arrival

Dublin Airport actually has American customs in Ireland, which is unusual (unique?).

The customs agents have never looked at or asked for her paperwork before. They usually just want to give her a pet. So we usually breeze right through. Also, we have Global Entry so this might help. But because it is within their purview to do so, make sure to have the paperwork available.

When you arrive in Dublin, you first go through border control where they check your passport/visa etc. I’ve never been asked about her there before or they’ve never noticed her.

Then proceed to baggage claim. Right by baggage claim there is a sign for the Agriculture department . Usually, the door is open and they are waiting. If not, there is a phone there, just pick it up and it’ll ring the duty supervisor.

While my husband fetches the bags, I check Zoe in.

They scan her chip and check her passport and tapeworm dates. Usually, they make a copy of her docs and then charge you €50. They don’t take American Express.

If your pet has flown cargo , this is the same area they will be delivered to from the plane.

Mostly the process takes a good 10 minutes if everything is in order. If you leave the airport without the Compliance check, you are in trouble – so don’t forget!!

Absolutely, Ireland is generally considered a dog-friendly country. Many Irish people love dogs and there is a significant culture of dog ownership in the country. The cities, towns, and countryside are replete with parks and walking paths, which make for great dog walking areas. Moreover, many pubs and restaurants, especially those in more rural and tourist-heavy areas, allow dogs, particularly in their outdoor seating areas. In terms of public transportation, dogs are permitted on trains in Ireland, provided they are in a carrier or on a leash. However, rules may vary for buses and trams, with some only allowing small dogs in carriers, while others may not allow dogs at all, except for guide dogs. You can read more about people’s experiences with their pets in Ireland

You can visit a vet in Ireland and get your pet a passport to travel onto the UK or EU if you like, but do not need one to return to the US. To get from Europe to the US with a pet, it is quite simple. You just need a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccine with microchip notation. Do not purchase a pet passport online from the US. Those are not valid for entry into Ireland nor for returning to the US. You can only get an EU Pet Passport in the EU and the entries need to be completed by a vet licensed in the EU.

You can not take your dog from anywhere outside the EU into Ireland without the official government paperwork. This includes rabies vaccine, health certificate, and tapeworm treatment. However, in the US, this document is not called a “pet passport”. If you are traveling within the EU, an official EU Pet Passport is useful.

Yes, dogs are allowed at Dublin Airport, but they must be kept in a secure, airline-approved carrier at all times, unless they’re assistance dogs. For travel, dogs must typically go in the cargo hold, except for small dogs on some airlines and certified assistance dogs. It’s crucial to check with your airline for their specific pet policies before arriving at the airport. Note that for international travel, pets must meet country-specific regulations, which often include official documentation.

Every airline sets its own prices for the cost of flying a pet. If the animal goes in the cabin, expect to pay between $100-$250. If the pet is flying cargo, there are so many variables including the pet’s weight, the airline, and whether a shipping company is used. Charges will easily be over $500 per pet and possibly into the thousands.

In April 2023, Stena Lines Ferry announced they will be providing some pet-friendly cabins on Irish routes.

Final Thoughts: Bringing a Dog to Ireland from the USA

Thanks so much to Jennifer Dundee Reeder for sharing the ins and outs of bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA. Sure, it might seem a tad bit overwhelming at first, but trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Just remember your to-dos: get the right vaccines, don’t forget that tapeworm treatment, and get those necessary documents in order. Oh, and let’s not forget – keep your fur baby comfortable during that long flight. After all, a snoozing pooch equals peaceful travel, right?

Once you’ve got all that sorted, you’re all set for a grand Irish adventure with your best fur friend. So, grab your pooch, pack those bags, and get ready for the Emerald Isle.

Trust me, it’s going to be a blast! And remember, when in doubt, just think “It’ll be grand” – because, really, it will be.

Resource Guide for Travel with a Dog

🧳 What’s the best carrier for my dog when traveling?

You need different carriers for different types of travel

This is my favorite carrier for a small dog – Sleepypod Air

This is my favorite car harness for medium-large dogs – Sleepypod Clickit

This is the best for a large dog on a plane – Skymate Kennel

This is my favorite backpack for a small-medium sized dog – Mr. Penuts Tahoe

You can read more about my r eview of types of dog carriers for travel here .

🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap pet-friendly hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend Expedia

Vacation Rentals are often the best option for people with pets VRBO

Stay for free or have someone watch your pet with Trusted Housesitters!

—–We love traveling and we love our dogs

It’s not always easy to combine the two especially when that means getting on flights or crossing borders. We brought our first dog from Kenya to California, and a few years later she went with us to Ecuador before returning to California where we settled down for a while. Now we are gearing up for a new adventure as we look to bring Sam and Denver on our next global journey. This site is a gift of love to my dogs and to others who love their pets so much, they can’t imagine leaving them behind

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Pet Travel Guidance

Animal Health, Welfare and Trade
Animal welfare

From 1 January 2021, there are new procedures to follow when travelling with your Pet from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI). GB has become a ‘Part II Listed’ Third Country for the purposes of pet travel and this will mean there will be additional documentary requirements, health preparations and checks for travelling with a pet from GB to NI. The term “pets”, for the scope of this guidance, comprises dogs (including assistance dogs), cats and ferrets.

There will be no routine checks on the non-commercial movement of pets from GB to NI until further notice . Officials will reserve the right to undertake checks should there be a suspicion of illegal activity or welfare concerns.

When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret, the rules you must follow depend on the country you are going to or coming from. There are 4 categories of countries. The category your country falls into will determine the preparations you need to make for your pet to travel.

Details for travelling from a Part 2 Listed Country (including GB) to an EU Member State (including NI) are listed here
Any person travelling from NI to GB with a pet and returning to NI , will be required to adhere to the EU requirements for travelling into the EU/NI from a Part II listed country.
If travelling from NI to GB and not returning to NI with your pet, there are no documentary or health preparations. However there is a legal requirement that dogs are microchipped at 8 weeks old . It is recommended that you check with your transport company before travelling as they may need a statement from a vet confirming your pet is fit to travel.
There is no change to the requirements for travelling from NI within the EU including the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Travel within the EU currently requires a pet passport and rabies vaccination.
If you are planning to move pets from NI to outside the EU, it is recommended that you contact the competent authority of the country of destination in advance of your journey, as there may be additional requirements that have to be met. If you need to apply for an Export Health Certificate instructions can be found here.

Before travelling with your pet from NI your pet may need some or all of the following:

A pet passport (if you live in NI you can obtain a pet passport directly from one of the veterinary practices participating in the pet travel scheme)
A microchip (or legible tattoo imprinted prior to 3 July 2011)
A valid rabies vaccination
21 day wait from the date of rabies vaccination before being eligible to travel to other EU countries
An animal health certificate (unless you have a pet passport issued in Northern Ireland)
Tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Republic of Ireland (ROI), NI, Norway or Malta
Check with your transport company as they may need a statement from a vet confirming your pet is fit to travel
Pet owners travelling to an event in NI from any country, including GB, should complete this declaration
Before moving dogs for commercial purposes from GB into NI, read the latest guidance here . You need to obtain an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and pre-notify, giving at least 24 hours advance notice of the arrival of the consignment in NI by creating a CHED-A on TRACES.NT, uploading scanned colour copies of the EHCs and any supporting documents. Where the document is too large to send as one file, it is acceptable to send it in two parts. Further guidance on pre-notification can be found here , with more detailed information on timescales for pre-notification here .

These requirements also apply to Recognised Assistance Dogs

The EU Pet Travel Regulation covers the movement of up to 5 pets with their owners.
Where more than 5 pets are travelling in a consignment (see exception for Travelling to Shows ) or in the case of commercial movement of pets, as well as the preparations needed for pet travel, the requirements for commercial trade laid down by the ‘Balai’ Directive must also be met. Commercial trade includes any transfer of ownership and also relates to dogs travelling for the purpose of re-homing.

On Arrival in Northern Ireland

Pet owners travelling to an event in NI from any country, including GB, should make this completed declaration available to a DAERA Portal Inspector upon arrival in NI
Pet owners returning to NI from an event in GB should also complete this declaration
On arrival in NI - if you do not have the correct documents or your pet has not been properly prepared, it may be licensed into quarantine until it fully meets the entry requirements or be sent back to the country it travelled from. You must pay the costs for this.

Further Information

Full guidance , including all Pet Travel Country Category Requirements can be found here .
The EU Pet Travel regulation Regulation (EU) 576/2013 details the documentary, health and compliance check requirements for the travel of pet dogs (including assistance dogs), cats and ferrets between and into Northern Ireland to avoid the quarantining of animals
How to Complete a Pet Passport
Pet Passport Scheme - NI Veterinary Practices listed here
The Guide Dogs Association has advice about taking assistance dogs abroad
Commercial Movement of Pets
A list of EU Member States can be found here
A list of Part 1 listed countries can be found here
A list of Part 2 listed countries can be found here
An Unlisted country is any country not included in the list of EU, Part 1 or Part 2 listed countries
For countries outside of the EU, authorised vets issue EU animal health certificates instead of pet passports. More information here
If you need an EHC and you cannot find the one you need, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Contact Details: Tel: 0370 241 1710 Email: [email protected] (for those living in England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands or Isle of Man)
Information on movements of other types of pet can be found here
Guidance on bringing a pet bird into Northern Ireland from another EU/EEA country can be found here
Further information is available from the DAERA website: Travelling with Pets or by telephone 0300 2007840
Specific queries should be forwarded to: [email protected]

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Simon Harris flanked by ministers in Government Buildings in Dublin

Ireland plans to send asylum seekers back to UK under emergency law

Taoiseach wants to reduce arrivals through Northern Ireland amid concern that Sunak’s Rwanda plan is driving people to Ireland

Ireland and Britain are on a collision course over asylum seekers, with Dublin vowing to send arrivals to Ireland back to the UK and London insisting it will not accept any.

A diplomatic row erupted on Sunday after the taoiseach, Simon Harris, asked the justice minister, Helen McEntee, to bring proposals to cabinet next week to allow the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK, amid concern that Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda plan was rerouting asylum seekers from Britain.

“This country will not in any way, shape or form provide a loophole for anybody else’s migration challenges,” Harris said on Sunday. “Other countries can decide how they wish to advance migration. From an Irish perspective, we intend to have a firm rules-based system where rules are in place, where rules are in force, where rules are seen to be enforced.”

The planned legislation follows a claim by Sunak that the Conservative party’s deterrence was working, and after it emerged that 80% of recent asylum seekers to Ireland came via the land border with Northern Ireland.

A UK government source said it would not accept any asylum seekers from Ireland without a wider deal with Brussels. “We won’t accept any asylum returns from the EU via Ireland until the EU accepts that we can send them back to France. We are fully focused on operationalising our Rwanda scheme and will continue working with the French to stop the boats from crossing the channel.”

Ireland had previously designated the UK a “safe third country” to which asylum seekers could be returned but last month the Irish high court ruled that this breached EU law, impeding further returns.

McEntee said she would shore up Ireland’s controls and discuss the return of refugees with James Cleverly and other British officials during a visit to London on Monday.

“That’s why I’m introducing fast processing, that’s why I’ll have emergency legislation at cabinet this week to make sure that we can effectively return people to the UK and that’s why I’ll be meeting with the home secretary to raise these issues on Monday,” she told RTÉ.

In an interview with Sky News on Sunday, Sunak said the Rwanda legislation signed into law last week was already having an impact because people were worried about coming to the UK.

“Illegal migration is a global challenge, which is why you’re seeing multiple countries talk about doing third-country partnerships, looking at novel ways to solve this problem, and I believe will follow where the UK has led.”

Last week, a protest in County Wicklow over proposed refugee accommodation led to violent clashes with police who used shields and sprays and arrested six people. Police said rocks and other missiles were thrown and they recovered an axe.

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There have been protests and arson attacks on proposed refugee accommodation centres and demonstrations outside ministers’ homes, fuelling anxiety over far-right agitation.

At a speech in County Monaghan the taoiseach said warning signs around the abuse of public figures should be taken seriously. “We have had too many warnings and we need to take them seriously before the unthinkable happens.”

Ireland has taken in more than 100,000 refugees, about three-quarters from Ukraine. There is an acute housing crisis that has driven up rents and homelessness and fuelled anti-immigrant sentiment. A riot last November wrecked parts of central Dublin.

Immigration and asylum
Northern Ireland
Rishi Sunak
Simon Harris

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UK will not accept return of asylum seekers from Ireland, Rishi Sunak says

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UK Rwanda policy is ‘kneejerk reaction’ to migration, says Ireland’s deputy PM

UK minister appears to mix up Rwanda and Congo on Question Time

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Macron criticises Rwanda-style asylum schemes days after UK passes bill

Ireland ‘reaping what it has sown’ over Brexit with influx of migrants

T he influx of migrants crossing into Ireland from the UK is because Dublin is “reaping what it sowed” in the Brexit negotiations, a leading unionist has said.

Micheál Martin, Ireland’s deputy prime minister, has blamed the Rwanda plan for an increase in asylum seekers entering his country from Northern Ireland.

Dublin believes that more than 80 per cent of asylum seekers in Ireland have crossed the open border .

Jim Allister, the leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice party, said it was not the Rwanda plan but Ireland’s insistence on keeping the border open after Brexit that was to blame.

“You reap what you sow. The Republic of Ireland insisted there wouldn’t even be a camera allowed on the international frontier and now they lament the consequences of the open border they demanded,” he told The Telegraph.

“It’s hard to find sympathy for those so driven by their all-Ireland agenda and poking the British over Brexit that they insisted on the very thing now swamping them with immigrants.”

Mr Martin, speaking in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday, said: “I believe the Rwanda effect is impacting on Ireland.

“I don’t think anyone’s gone to Rwanda yet, but to me it’s reflective of a policy,” he said. “But it is having real impact on Ireland now in terms of people being fearful in the UK – maybe that’s the impact it was designed to have.”

Brexit deal tensions

Tensions over immigration have risen in Ireland amid an increase in migrant numbers and a housing crisis. On Thursday, police arrested six people after officers came under attack by protesters at a site earmarked for asylum seekers in Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co Wicklow.

Mr Allister is a fierce opponent of Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal for Northern Ireland, which he says puts the region’s place in the UK at risk.

The Windsor Framework kept the land border with the Republic of Ireland open after Brexit but at the price of introducing an Irish Sea border between Britain and Northern Ireland.

Dublin and Brussels insisted on the deal to prevent a post-Brexit hard land border on the island of Ireland, in the negotiations to take the UK out of the EU.

Ireland said the return of border infrastructure would put the peace process at risk and that a Brexit treaty was necessary to protect its place in the EU’s Single Market.

Northern Ireland continues to follow hundreds of EU rules under the agreement, which also gives it lucrative dual access to both the UK and EU markets.

Power-sharing was restored in Northern Ireland after negotiations ended a two-year boycott of Stormont by the DUP over the Irish Sea border.

Hard-line unionists, including the TUV, which has formed an election alliance with Reform UK, fear the deal is a precursor to an attempt to unify Ireland. Sinn Fein has called for a reunification referendum by 2030.

Lord Dodds, the DUP peer, said: “The complaints from Irish politicians ring hollow. At every point in the Brexit drama they never hesitated to advance their own interests at the expense of relations with unionists and the UK. Now in true Dublin style they blame others for the consequences of policies they pursued.

“Dublin has been vociferous in advocating a totally open border and has even castigated UK efforts to introduce new travel visa requirements for non Irish citizens wanting to travel from the republic into the UK through N Ireland,” he added, referring to British plans to require a permit from non-Ireland residents.”

Baroness Hoey said: “The Republic of Ireland is a foreign country. It’s a bit rich for them to be complaining about something when they themselves have been the country that has refused to accept that there is a frontier with the United Kingdom and their independent country.

“British taxpayers are paying for the EU single market to be protected. We’re spending all this money and putting up border posts in our own country to protect their Single market, which of course also ultimately is also affecting trade between GB and Northern Ireland,” The Brexiteer peer, who is from Northern Ireland, said.

She added, “Chickens come home to roost, as they say.”

Ireland and the UK are also part of a Common Travel Area that predates both countries’ EU membership.

On March 22, the Irish High Court said a decision by the justice minister to designate the UK as a “safe country” after Brexit was unlawful. It said she exceeded her powers.

Legislation is in the works to remedy this but in the meantime Ireland cannot use a refugee returns deal with the UK.

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Micheál Martin, Ireland's deputy prime minister, blames the Rwanda plan for an increase in asylum seekers - Oliver Contreras/PA

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad

Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

Rabies vaccinations and boosters.

You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.

The vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine that’s approved in the country of use.

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

When you can travel

You must wait 21 days to travel after your pet is vaccinated. Day 1 is the day after the rabies vaccination.

You do not need to wait to travel after a booster vaccination if there has been no break in the vaccine cover.

A vet vaccinates your pet against rabies on 1 September. This means you can travel on 22 September.

Booster vaccinations

If you’re travelling with your pet, you must get regular rabies booster vaccinations for your pet. Check your animal health certificate or pet passport to find out when the booster vaccination is due.

You will not need to get repeat vaccinations for repeat trips to the EU or Northern Ireland if your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.

Vaccination record

Your pet’s vaccination must be recorded in either:

an animal health certificate
a valid pet passport

Your pet can be stopped from travelling if the details in their animal health certificate or pet passport are in the wrong place.

Your pet’s vaccination record must show:

your pet’s date of birth
microchip number, date it was put in or read, and where it is on your pet’s body
vaccination date
vaccine manufacturer and product name
vaccine batch number
date the vaccination is valid until
the vet’s signature and contact details

If you have a pet passport

Your pet’s vaccination record must have been added by a vet in either:

a country that can issue a valid pet passport
Great Britain before 1 January 2021

If your pet passport does not have an up to date vaccination record, you’ll need an animal health certificate instead.

Your pet can be stopped from travelling if the vaccination details were added to their passport by a vet in Great Britain after 31 December 2020.

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Ireland Threatens to Return Asylum Seekers to U.K., Sparking Diplomatic Squabble

The Irish government said it was drafting emergency legislation to return asylum seekers to Britain, after seeing a surge of people leaving there for sanctuary in Ireland.

By Mark Landler

Reporting from London

Britain’s newly ratified plan to put asylum seekers on one-way flights to Rwanda has drawn objections from human rights groups, British and European courts, the House of Lords and even some members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party.

To that list, add another aggrieved party: Ireland.

The Irish government said last week that asylum seekers in Britain who fear being deported to Rwanda are instead traveling to Ireland . It is drafting emergency legislation to send them back to Britain, triggering a clash with its neighbor, which said it would refuse to accept them.

Irish officials estimate that 80 percent of recent applicants for asylum crossed into the country via Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and with which the Republic of Ireland has an open border. That suggests that Britain’s vow to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is already having something of a deterrent effect, which was Mr. Sunak’s sales pitch for the policy.

But it comes at the expense of Ireland, which is already struggling to absorb an influx of refugees from Ukraine and elsewhere, and has seen violent clashes over immigration erupt in small towns and major cities. On Sunday, Ireland’s prime minister, Simon Harris, said, “This country will not in any way, shape or form provide a loophole for anybody else’s migration challenges.”

“Other countries can decide how they wish to advance migration,” said Mr. Harris, who became prime minister earlier this month. “From an Irish perspective, we intend to have a firm rules-based system where rules are in place, where rules are in force, where rules are seen to be enforced.”

British officials, however, countered on Monday that they would not accept any asylum seekers from Ireland, a European Union member, unless they had a broader agreement with the E.U. to return them to France, another E.U. member, from where many refugees set off for Britain in small boats across the English Channel.

“Of course we’re not going to do that,” Mr. Sunak said to ITV News about accepting returnees from Ireland. “I’m determined to get our Rwanda scheme up and running because I want a deterrent.” He added, “I make absolutely no apology for doing everything I can to tackle illegal migration.”

The Rwanda policy has unexpectedly put the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic back in the spotlight, echoing the tensions between Britain and Ireland after Britain voted to leave the European Union in 2016. The Republic of Ireland fought to keep an open land border with Northern Ireland, which necessitated complex negotiations between London and Brussels over trade arrangements in the North.

After years of friction, Mr. Sunak last year struck a deal with the European Union, known as the Windsor Framework, which finally seemed to defuse the issue. But Britain’s abrupt cancellation on Sunday of a meeting between its home secretary, James Cleverly, and Ireland’s minister for justice, Helen McEntee, added to the sense of a fresh diplomatic crisis. A meeting of lower-level British and Irish officials produced only a vague agreement to “monitor this issue closely.”

“It’s something that needs to be solved, and I don’t see any easy solution,” said Bobby McDonagh, a former Irish ambassador to Britain. “It clearly isn’t workable if a very large number of refugees are going through the U.K. and coming down here through Northern Ireland.”

The problem is, political pressures on both sides militate against resolving the issue. For Mr. Sunak, who lobbied for months against legal challenges to pass the Rwanda plan, the diversion of asylum seekers to Ireland is proof that his policy is working. Far from taking back these people, he has vowed to round up thousands of those still in Britain and put them on planes to Rwanda.

Mr. Harris, analysts in Dublin said, is under pressure to act firmly because the swelling numbers of asylum seekers, combined with Ireland’s acute housing shortage, are causing social unrest. Last week, protesters in County Wicklow clashed with the police over proposed accommodations for refugees. A riot rooted in anti-immigrant hatred convulsed parts of Dublin last fall.

“The protests have become increasingly ugly and violent, orchestrated by groups that see Ireland as fertile ground,” said Diarmaid Ferriter, a professor of modern Irish history at University College Dublin. “The politicians are under pressure to be seen as doing more, and they’re trying to reduce the ground for anti-immigration forces.”

The tensions are even altering Ireland’s political landscape. For example, the poll ratings of the main opposition party, Sinn Fein, have fallen in recent months because of criticism that it is not hard-line enough on immigration.

Sinn Fein’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald, criticized the Irish government for failing to level with residents about how immigration would affect their towns and cities.

“You need rules and regulations,” Ms. McDonald said at a recent briefing for journalists in London. “Particularly in more deprived areas, where services are poor, they feel the struggle all the more when they consider the people coming in.”

Mr. Sunak predicted that Britain’s use of Rwanda to process asylum applications would be copied by other countries. But critics say that would pose a thorny challenge to the global legal system for protecting refugees. If more countries outsource the processing of asylum seekers, they may simply end up displacing the flow of refugees to their nearest neighbors, as Britain has.

Mr. Harris, moreover, faces some of the same legal obstacles that dogged Mr. Sunak in his quest to enact the Rwanda policy. Ireland’s high court has ruled that the government cannot designate Britain as a “safe third country” and return asylum seekers there, because of the risk that Britain would send them to Rwanda.

Britain’s Supreme Court struck down an earlier version of the Rwanda legislation because it determined that Rwanda was not a safe country. Mr. Sunak then signed a treaty with the Rwandan government and revised the legislation, essentially overruling the court. Parliament passed that law last week.

Immigration experts in Ireland have expressed doubts about the government’s claim that 80 percent of recent asylum applicants crossed the border from Northern Ireland. Some, they said, could have arrived at airports or seaports in the Irish Republic and not immediately applied for asylum status.

Still, said Nick Henderson, the chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council, “If people are moving to Ireland from the U.K. in numbers, it should be viewed in the context that the U.K. is not a safe country for people seeking protection.”

Mark Landler is the London bureau chief of The Times, covering the United Kingdom, as well as American foreign policy in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He has been a journalist for more than three decades. More about Mark Landler

IMAGES

Explore the Best Dog Friendly Places in Ireland
Everything you need to know about taking a dog to Ireland, whether by
Dog-friendly Travel on Irish Ferries’ Ulysses (Holyhead to Dublin
The Most Dog-Friendly Ferry to All of Ireland
8 Best Places to Walk Your Dog In Ireland
Dog-Friendly Republic of Ireland: Travelling with a Dog

COMMENTS

Bringing your pet to Ireland
Learn the entry requirements for bringing your dog, cat or ferret to the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland from the UK or other countries. Find out about microchipping, vaccinations, tapeworm treatment and compliance checks.
Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
Learn the rules and requirements for travelling with your pet dog to Ireland from the UK. You need a microchip, a rabies vaccination, an animal health certificate and tapeworm treatment for dogs.
Bringing pets to Ireland
Learn the rules and requirements for travelling to Ireland with your pet from the UK or other countries. Find out about microchipping, vaccination, pet passport, tapeworm treatment and blood test for non-EU pets.
Taking a dog to Ireland in 2024: Everything you need to know
Learn how to travel with your dog from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland after Brexit. Find out what paperwork, vaccinations, and treatments you need, and where to book your ferry or flight.
gov
The UK's departure from the EU has resulted in a change in the rules for pet travel between Ireland and the UK. ... see section 2 Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into Ireland - the same rules apply to re-enter from a non-EU country whether the pet is usually resident there or if it is an Irish pet who was just there briefly on holidays ...
Bringing Pets To Ireland & UK
EU pet passports issued by Northern Ireland will remain valid for EU travel. Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps: Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped. Have a valid EU pet passport OR an animal health certificate issued by a UK official ...
Travelling to Republic of Ireland with a Dog in 2024
When making an online booking, specify the number of pets, along with adults and children. Make sure you select a pet-friendly cabin, then on the next step ("3. Pets"), select the number of dogs or other pets you have in the cabin. There is a charge of €30 per dog or pet in each direction, or €60 return.
Taking dogs to Ireland [ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW 2020]
September 11, 2023. Taking dogs to Ireland is pretty straightforward. Firstly, you need to ensure you have to correct documentation for an Ireland Pet Passport, or EU Pet Passport. Dogs are eligible for an EU Pet Passport which allows them to travel freely within the EU. Secondly, you will need to organise travel.
Pet Travel: Home
[email protected] (353) 1-8401776. If you are planning to travel to a non-EU country with your pet on a short trip or holiday, please select your pet species type and the country you plan on visiting in the tab above, and read the conditions of re-entering Ireland with your pet as vaccination protocols may require up to 3 months wait ...
Travelling with Pets
EU pet passports issued by Northern Ireland will remain valid for EU travel. Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps: Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped. Have a valid EU pet passport OR an animal health certificate issued by a UK official ...
Pet Travel to Ireland [Pet Passport Ireland 2023]
September 4, 2023. Whether you are planning on visiting Ireland for a holiday, or are relocating there, you don't have to leave your pets behind! Taking pets to Ireland is pretty straightforward. Firstly, you need to ensure you have to correct documentation for an Ireland Pet Passport, or EU Pet Passport. Dogs, cats and ferrets are eligible ...
Bringing pets to Ireland
The EU system of Passports for Pets allows cats, dogs and ferrets to travel between EU member states and some other countries that are part of the scheme. ... If you are bringing a cat, dog or ferret from outside the EU (including the UK but not including Northern Ireland), you should follow the rules set out in 'Cats, dogs and ferrets ...
New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021
Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of ...
Flying to Ireland With a Dog
Delta Air Lines. Dogs are allowed in the cabin for flights into Ireland from the USA. At the time of publishing, Delta has an embargo on all household pets in the luggage hold on flights to/from Ireland without an end date set for the embargo. Pets in Cabin Additional Information. Pets per passenger - 2.
gov
Brexit - Movement of Pets. From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Published on 1 February 2020. Last updated on 22 December 2021. The UK's departure from the EU has resulted in a change in the rules for pet travel between Ireland and the UK. Pet owners who are considering travelling from Ireland to GB, and then returning to ...
Entry requirements
ID requirements. If you are a British citizen, you do not need a passport to enter Ireland. However, some carriers and airlines might require identification. Irish immigration officers check the ...
gov
Pet Travel from Ireland to the UK (excl. NI) From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Published on 29 November 2021. Last updated on 16 August 2022. Pet travel includes the movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets accompanied by their owner, or a person authorised by the owner, as long as the owner is also travelling within five days ...
Flying To and From Ireland with a Dog
Only pre-arranged certified service dogs are allowed on flights to Dublin. Otherwise, both small and large pets must fly as cargo on other flights to and from Ireland. No hard-sided carriers are permitted on Air Transat flights, only soft-sided carriers up to 43.2 x 25.5 x 24.1cm (17 x 10 x 9.5 inches).
Bringing a Dog to Ireland from the USA, a Detailed Guide [by a local]
If you are bringing a pet to Ireland from the USA, you need to comply with certain requirements including proof of rabies vaccine connected to your pet's microchip. Additionally for Ireland & UK (but not all EU countries), a required tapeworm treatment. If you are traveling to the EU for the first time or on holiday, you will also need a USDA ...
Q&As for Pet Travel from 1 January 2021
The following Q&A provides clarification for pet travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021. For the purposes of pet travel, Great Britain includes England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. The additional requirements will impact significantly on those travelling with pets within the United ...
Pet Travel Guidance
Tel: 0370 241 1710. Email: [email protected] (for those living in England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands or Isle of Man) Information on movements of other types of pet can be found here. Guidance on bringing a pet bird into Northern Ireland from another EU/EEA country can be found here.
Bringing Pets on Ferry
Brexit: Pets travelling FROM Northern Ireland: After 31st December 2020, you will still be able to travel with your pet (dog, cat or ferret) to France and from Northern Ireland. Pets with Ireland and Northern Ireland issued pet passports will continue to use the existing pet passport scheme and EU pet travel rules.
Ireland plans to send asylum seekers back to UK under emergency law
Ireland and Britain are on a collision course over asylum seekers, with Dublin vowing to send arrivals to Ireland back to the UK and London insisting it will not accept any.. A diplomatic row ...
Ireland to redesignate UK as 'safe country' for asylum seekers
The situation has been complicated by a recent Irish court ruling. In March, the High Court in Dublin ruled that Ireland's designation of the UK as a safe third country for returning asylum ...
Ireland 'reaping what it has sown' over Brexit with influx of ...
The influx of migrants crossing into Ireland from the UK is because Dublin is "reaping what it sowed" in the Brexit negotiations, a leading unionist has said. Micheál Martin, Ireland's ...
What it's like inside The Black Dog, the London pub made famous by
When CNN Travel visits, there's no time to sample The Black Dog's inviting looking food menu, but this writer opts for a Swift-approved glass of Sauvignon Blanc (in another new track, "The ...
Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
Rabies vaccinations and boosters. You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least ...
Ireland Threatens to Return Asylum Seekers to U.K., Sparking Diplomatic
British officials, however, countered on Monday that they would not accept any asylum seekers from Ireland, a European Union member, unless they had a broader agreement with the E.U. to return ...
UK won't take back asylum seekers from Ireland, says Rishi Sunak
The UK will not take back asylum seekers who have crossed into Ireland as the Rwanda deportation scheme gets going, Rishi Sunak has said. The Irish deputy PM has said people are crossing from ...
Rishi Sunak joins James Cleverly in press-ups challenge
Rishi Sunak joined James Cleverly in his challenge to do 100 press-ups a day for charity - but the Prime Minister only managed 20.. The Home Secretary was joined by Mr Sunak and his dog Nova for ...

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Bringing your pet to Ireland

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Bringing pets into the Republic of Ireland

Travelling from the EU

Travelling from Great Britain

Travelling from outside the EU and Great Britain

Bringing pets into Northern Ireland

Travelling within the island of Ireland

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Bringing pets to Ireland

Step 1 – Microchipping

Step 2 – Vaccination

Step 3 – the pet passport

Step 4 – Tapeworm treatment

Step 3 – EU pet passport, or EU health certificate

Step 4 – Blood test

Step 5 – Tapeworm treatment

Step 6 – Advance notice

Step 7 – Compliance check

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Taking a dog to Ireland in 2024: Everything you need to know

Dog Friendly Travel Routes to Ireland

1. Ensure your dog is microchipped and has been vaccinated against rabies

2. Plan your travel to the Republic of Ireland, ensuring you can book an appointment with an Official Veterinarian a few days before your departure date

3. Get an Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of your travel date

4. Tapeworm Treatment

5. Travel to the Republic of Ireland

6. Travelling back to Great Britain from the Republic of Ireland

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