aphis pet travel ireland

The APHIS Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001) for International Pet Transport

How to obtain and complete the aphis 7001 for pet shipping.

If you're moving internationally with your pet  from the United States, you will most likely need an International Health Certificate, also known as the USDA APHIS Form 7001. We are often asked about this form, and it's one of the most searched-for documents for people planning to transport their pets to another country. 

Click to  download the APHIS Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001) . USDA-accredited veterinarians issue the 7001 and often must be endorsed by the corresponding state's USDA Veterinary Services office. The state and regional Veterinary Services offices oversee all export documents for pets departing from the US and ensure that the veterinarians issuing the documents, including the 7001, are accredited and filling out accurate information.

Here are the steps for obtaining the Form 7001 health certificate and having it endorsed:

1. Find a USDA-Accredited veterinarian in your area.

The USDA Veterinary Services offices do not need to see pets to issue health certificates -- they only look at the paperwork after it has been completed. You'll need to ask your local vet if they are accredited. Most vets know offhand whether or not they have this accreditation. Still, if there is any uncertainty, the nearest USDA Veterinary Services office can double-check accreditation statuses for you and your vet.

2.  Download the APHIS Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001) .

3. Go to your veterinarian to get the health certificate issued.

This must be done within a specific time before your travel date -- check the pet import requirements for the country to which you're moving as well as the requirements of the airline you are flying with to determine when you will need to have the health certificate issued. Also, we highly recommend having your vet sign the form in blue ink to easily show the USDA and the destination country's government that it is an original document.

4. Check your (vet's) work! 

We cannot stress this enough. As part of our service, we review our clients' paperwork carefully before sending it to the USDA for endorsement. If you arrange your pet's move independently, double (and triple!) check your veterinarian's work. If you don't, the USDA will return the documents to you unendorsed. You don't want this to happen because your pet can't depart on time! 

Please make sure all dates are written correctly (we recommend formatting to DD MM YYYY to be precise); microchip numbers match up to microchip paperwork; your pet's age on the 7001 matches what's on their vaccination records (you wouldn't believe how often this is incorrect!), etc. 

If you must correct the paperwork, have your vet draw a single line through the error and initial somewhere next to the correction. When in doubt, or if your health certificate becomes too messy or illegible, start with a new one.

5. Send your paperwork to the USDA (or take it in by hand). 

Depending on where the nearest  veterinary service office is, you can either go to the office in person to obtain the endorsement or send it in via FedEx. If you take your documents in, you will want to call at least one week in advance to ensure they will allow you to come in and make an appointment. If you send your paperwork in, you must account for a few days for the package to travel there and back (keep in mind the USDA is closed on the weekends) and include some payment information. The USDA does not take checks.

You might consider including a cover sheet with your contact information instructing them to call for a credit card number. Also, remember that if you do not include a return envelope, the USDA will send it back via US Postal Service. If you need your paperwork returned sooner (which most people do), include a pre-addressed FedEx overnight envelope with your paperwork. The USDA typically stamps documents on the same day or the following day after they receive them.

Electronic submission of APHIS Form 7001 and related documents:

To streamline the pet shipping process and reduce paperwork, the USDA APHIS now offers the option to electronically submit the APHIS Form 7001 and other required documents through their online Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). To use this service, follow these steps:

• Visit the USDA APHIS VEHCS website and create an account.
• Fill out the necessary forms, including the APHIS Form 7001, electronically within the system.
• Upload any additional required documentation, such as vaccination records and microchip information.
• Submit the completed forms and documents for review and endorsement by the appropriate USDA office.
• Once endorsed, you will receive a notification to download and print the endorsed documents for use during your pet's travel.

The VEHCS system can save time and reduce the risk of lost or delayed paperwork, ensuring a smoother pet shipping experience.

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Navigating Pet Travel? Let APHIS Help.

When planning an international trip, we often want to bring the whole family – including our pets .  But, did you know taking Fido or Fluffy can be a complex, multistep process that requires advance planning and preparation?  To help make this process go smoothly, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a few simple steps to follow – and a comprehensive website to walk you through the process.

First. Advance preparation is key.  Each country has different animal health requirements that travelers must meet so it’s important to start the process early. Our website covers the requirements for more than 130 countries.  Check the APHIS Pet Travel Website for your destination country’s entry requirements. 

Second.  You will need a health certificate.  Almost all countries require a USDA-accredited veterinarian to issue (complete, sign, and date) an international health certificate within a certain number of days prior to your departure to confirm the health of your pet.  So, as soon as you know where you will be traveling with your pet, contact a local USDA accredited veterinarian to assist you with the process.  With 68,000 private, accredited veterinarians nationwide, it’s likely your vet might be one or can refer you to one. Accredited veterinarians work cooperatively with APHIS to protect U.S. animal health and can certify that your pet is healthy and able to travel.

Third.  Getting the health certificate endorsed.  After the health certificate is issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian, it will typically need to be endorsed (signed and “stamped”) by your local APHIS office .  This can be done by mail or, in some cases, in person.  APHIS Service Centers are set up to process your health certificate as quickly as possible – but keep in mind, we process many certificates each year so be sure to leave plenty of time for us to complete this process.  Endorsement fees for pet health certificates starts at $38, but will cost more if the destination country requires Federal review of test results.  Check the APHIS website here for additional information on endorsement fees. 

Lastly, don’t forget to check with your airline carrier to see if they have additional requirements to transport your pet.  Make sure you know how to collect your pet at the port of entry upon arrival in your destination country.  It’s also important to remember that various U.S agencies regulate the entry of your pet back into the United States – plan ahead and check those requirements on the website before you go.

We know navigating various country requirements for international pet travel can be challenging, and that’s why we’re here to help.  If you have any questions about the process at any step along the way, please contact the APHIS Customer Service Call Center at 844-820-2234 or your local APHIS Service Center for more information.

Bon Voyage , Fido and Fluffy!

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What are the requirements for traveling overseas with a service or emotional support animal?

Jun 1, 2023 • knowledge, information.

• Step 1: Check our APHIS Pet Travel website to confirm that your service or emotional support animal qualifies to travel as a pet.  
• Step 2: If your animal can travel with you, there is import and export information on our APHIS Pet Travel website. If your animal does not qualify to travel with you as a pet, please review our import regulations   and export regulations  webpages . 
• Step 3: Research your destination country’s entry requirements using the pulldown menu on the Pet Export page. Step-by-step instructions are provided. Please read the instructions fully and carefully. Many steps must be done within a certain time frame of travel.    
• Step 4: Determine the type of health certificate required and download the appropriate form(s).   In most cases, an accredited veterinarian will need to examine your animal, verify vaccines, and complete, sign, and date the health certificate.
• Step 5: If your family veterinarian is a USDA-accredited vet, have them complete the paperwork. If they are not, you can use our ‘Locate an Accredited Veterinarian’ tool to find an accredited vet in your area. Once your paperwork is complete, USDA endorsement may be required. Your endorsement office may be out of State so factor in appropriate time to submit your paperwork. Endorsement is often required within a certain number of days of the travel date. We cannot overstate the importance of reading the country-specific instructions carefully and understanding the required timeline when preparing your animal’s paperwork for overseas travel.
• Step 6: You can find contact information for your State’s Endorsement office here . Country guidelines will specify if a digital endorsement is acceptable or if a hard copy is required.
• Fee Information: USDA does not charge endorsement fees for service animals (dogs) belonging to individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  According to the ADA, service animals are dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.   The USDA does charge user fees to endorse health certificates for emotional support animals and any other animal not officially covered by the ADA. You can learn more about the distinctions between service and emotional support animals here .
• Step 7: Check with your airline or shipping line on their requirements. Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies for transporting animals so ensure you are aware of their requirements as well.  If applicable, you will also need to check with your airline on any documentation required for a service or emotional support animal to travel with you in an airplane cabin.
• Other factors to consider: Some countries require an isolation or quarantine period, lasting from weeks to months, before an animal is eligible for entry into that country. If this pertains to your destination country, you will need to plan accordingly.  If you are traveling with a dog to a high-risk country for dog rabies, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you will need to take additional steps to bring your dog back into the United States. For a list of countries click here , and for the full notice click here .

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Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret into Ireland from another EU country or certain listed countries, including Northern Ireland

The pet must arrive in Ireland  with  their owner. If the owner cannot travel with the pet directly, then someone else (an authorised person) may travel  with  the pet directly on the owner’s behalf,  BUT  only if the owner’s own journey is within 5 days of the pet/authorised person’s journey.

All pets must be accompanied by original paperwork, not copies. Your pet must arrive in Ireland with you, or within five days before or after you travel if it is accompanied by a person authorised by you.

Five is the maximum number of animals allowed to travel with you under the pet travel rules. These rules apply no matter which country you are travelling from.

• It is up to each individual airline to decide whether to carry the animal in the cabin or as excess baggage – the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does not decide on this.

Service animals must comply with the rules on EU pet travel. For more information on travelling to Ireland with a service animal, please see  gov.ie - Bringing your pet dog -travelling with guide and assistance dogs  (www.gov.ie)  

Please read through the information below carefully. If you have any questions on pet travel after reading, please contact:

Email address: [email protected]

• telephone from within Ireland: 01 607 2827
• telephone from outside of Ireland: 00353 1 6072827

Coming from an EU Member State or One of the Countries/Territories Listed Below:

1. been microchipped.

The microchip must be inserted before the rabies vaccination is administered and must be readable by a device compatible with ISO standard 11785. If the microchip cannot be read when you enter Ireland, your pet could be put into quarantine under official control or refused entry. You may bring your own microchip scanner, if the microchip is not readable by a device compatible with ISO standard 11785.

2. A valid Rabies Vaccination

• The vaccination must be given after the microchip is inserted.
• The pet must be at least 12 weeks old before the vaccination is given, and it must be given by a vet authorised by the authorities of your country.
• You must wait until the appropriate immunity has developed, as stated by the datasheet of the vaccination given, which must be at least 21 days after the primary vaccination is given, before you can bring the dog, cat or ferret to Ireland. If the datasheet of the vaccination used says that immunity is not present until day 30 after vaccination, then you must wait 30 days before travel and your vet should record the same in the health certificate.

A rabies vaccination with a 1 or 3-year validity period is acceptable for entry into Ireland, but please see explanations below re primary vs booster.

Once there has been no break in coverage after a primary rabies vaccination, subsequent vaccinations are considered booster and not primary vaccinations.

If there has been a break in coverage, the next vaccination will be considered a primary vaccination and the appropriate waiting period will apply. 

In the case of booster vaccinations, the waiting period does not apply.

All dogs, cats and ferrets entering Ireland must comply with these requirements. There are no exemptions to this rule. If you are travelling from an area which has been declared rabies-free, your dog, cat and ferret still needs to comply with the rabies vaccination requirements.

3. Is Accompanied by a Valid EU Pet Passport or EU Health certificate .

Ireland accepts pet passports from all EU countries, Northern Ireland and from the following European countries/territories: Andorra, Gibraltar, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City State.

A valid passport is a passport issued by an EU country or a country/ territory listed above, which certifies that the rabies vaccine given is valid.

If your pet dog, cat or ferret does not have a pet passport issued by an EU country or the countries/territories listed above, it must be accompanied by an  EU Health certificate  before entering an EU country, including Ireland.

An  EU Health certificate  must be:

• completed by your veterinary practitioner, AND
• signed and endorsed by an Official (State) Veterinarian of the country of departure, within 10 days of pets arrival into the EU, AND
• immediately upon arriving into the EU, signed and endorsed by the EU country which performed the compliance checks

An Official State Veterinarian is a veterinarian directly employed by the government in the country of departure.

If the pet is travelling by sea, the validity is extended by the number of days of travel by sea.

The endorsed certificate is valid for travel  between  EU Member States for up to 4 months, or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires, whichever is the earliest. Please note this is  between EU Member States only, and not to travel out of the EU and back in again. If the pet leaves the EU at any stage, then a new health certificate signed by an official vet within the last ten days is required to re-enter the EU, and all the other rules re vaccination and tapeworm etc will apply.

4. H as Been Administered Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs

If your dog is entering Ireland from any country apart from Finland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland, a vet must treat your dog for tapeworm (specifically Echinococcus multilocularis) and record the treatment in the pet passport or EU health certificate before each time you intend to travel to Ireland.

The treatment must contain praziquantel and must be administered by a veterinarian no less than 24 hours (1 day) and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the scheduled arrival time of the dog in Ireland. Your dog may be refused entry into Ireland or quarantined under official control if it has not been correctly treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before entry into Ireland.

5. Pets Coming From Other EU Countries or the Countries/Territories Listed Above May Enter Ireland Through Any Port/Airport of Entry.

• Spot checks are carried out on pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering Ireland from EU countries and the countries/ territories listed above. These checks are carried out at the port/airport of entry and are free of charge.

Pets Failing Compliance Checks

If you do not follow these rules, or your pet fails the compliance checks, it may be refused entry into Ireland, or may be placed into quarantine under official control for the necessary tests or vaccinations. In very limited circumstances, the pet may be euthanised. These measures will be implemented at the owner’s expense.

If any of the following situations apply to you:

• you are buying a dog, cat or ferret abroad and having it shipped to Ireland unaccompanied, that is, you are not going to collect it and travel home with it, or
• your pet is in another country and you want to have it shipped to Ireland unaccompanied, that is, you are not going to collect it and travel home with it
• you are travelling to Ireland to buy, sell or gift a dog, cat or ferret, or if any change of ownership is involved after arrival, including delivery of a purchased or rehomed animal
• if you are travelling with more than 5 pets (the exception is if you are travelling for a dog show/competition, and you will need to provide written confirmation  [email protected]

Your pet may not enter Ireland under pet travel rules. These pets must follow a different set of rules. Please see section on Bringing an Unaccompanied Pet Cat, Dog or Ferret into Ireland.

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Moving a Pet to Ireland

Rules and regulations for international pet shipping, pet travel documents & requirements, rabies vaccinations, other vaccinations, blood tests, tapeworm treatment, health certificates, import permit, banned breeds, age restrictions.

• Microchip for Pet Travel to Ireland
• Quarantine for Pet Travel to Ireland

Pet Carrier Measurement Guide

Ultimate guide to moving pets, international airline pet policies, top destinations in ireland.

• How Starwood Can Help

What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to Ireland?

Although each country’s pet import requirements may differ, they are also similar in many ways. The details depend on where you live now. Ireland is part of the European Union, so if your family currently resides in another EU country and your pet already has a current EU Pet Passport , you won’t need any other paperwork to bring your pet into Ireland. 

What happens if you live outside the European Union? You will have to follow specific steps to obtain the paperwork your pet needs to move to Ireland. As already noted, the details will depend on where you now live. If you are moving from the United States, the USDA outlines everything required to relocate your pet to Ireland. To make it easier for you, all the essential information is included below.  

Read through everything carefully, because it is essential to follow the rules to the letter. If your pet arrives in Ireland with incomplete or incorrect documentation, they could be quarantined, sent home, or even euthanized. The Irish are delighted to welcome family pets, but they want no part of any pests or diseases that your four-legged friend might bring.  

If your pet will be traveling separately from you, you will also need to sign an authorization form for whomever will accompany or transport your pet.

Be sure to check with your airline, too, because some carriers have pet travel requirements in addition to the destination country’s rules. For instance, flights departing from the US may require your pet to have a USDA APHIS 7001 (international health certificate) in addition to the EU form required by Ireland.

Ireland requires all pets to be vaccinated against rabies before they arrive. The vaccine must be administered AFTER the microchip is implanted/scanned. The rabies vaccination for pets traveling to the EU must be greater than 21 days old and less than 1 year old at the time of travel. If your pet's vaccination will be over 1 year, then a new vaccine will be needed at least 21 days prior to travel.

All European Union countries require microchips to be ISO-compliant. So if your pet has another type of microchip, they will need to get a second one (and both numbers will have to appear on the documentation). If your pet’s microchip is the right type but was implanted before the rabies vaccination, they will need to get a new rabies vaccine so that the immunization can be officially tied to that microchip number. 

Ireland requires all pets to wait at least 21 days after receiving their rabies vaccination before entering the country. 

Ireland does not require pets to have any vaccinations other than rabies. However, we recommend that you ask your new Irish veterinarian about locally-specific immunizations or preventative treatments your pet should get.

It is recommended that cats and dogs are vaccinated for the following. Do note that if your pet will be boarding, these vaccinations will be required.

• Dogs : DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
• Cats : FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia

Ireland does not require any additional blood tests for cats, dogs, or ferrets unless your pet is traveling from an "unlisted" country.

If your pet is traveling from an "unlisted" country, then a rabies titer blood test will be required. The rabies titer test must be completed at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before traveling to the EU. This test must be completed by an authorized (USDA-Accredited) vet and the sample must be sent to an EU approved laboratory .

Unlike most EU countries, Ireland does require dogs to be treated for tapeworms prior to entering the country. Your dog must be treated by a USDA-accredited vet between 1-5 days before their arrival in Ireland, using a product labeled effective against tapeworms (Echinococcus multilocaris). The preferred product is praziquantel. This can be done either before or after your dog’s health certificate is endorsed by the USDA, but it must be reported on the health certificate.

The requirements outlined below apply to pets entering Ireland within 5 days before or after your own arrival date, as long as you have fewer than 5 pets total. This is the case for most families. If you and your pet(s) will be traveling on the same flight or if you will be traveling separately but within the 5-day window noted, the appropriate health certificates can be found on the USDA website .

If you will be traveling with more than 5 pets, or if your pet(s) will arrive in Ireland outside the 5-day window noted above, then you must use a “commercial” health certificate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re making the arrangements yourself or our Starwood Pet Travel team is handling the details for you. The commercial health certificate can only be completed within 48 hours prior to your pet's departure.

The health certificate must be filled out and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed (counter-signed and stamped or embossed) by the USDA APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer in your state. Belgium will allow the accredited vet to complete/sign the health certificate electronically, but the USDA must use a real-ink signature and emboss the paperwork. This document must be completed within 10 days prior to your pet’s arrival in Ireland. 

Ireland does not require a separate import permit for pets.

What Are the Pet Restrictions for Ireland?

Although many countries ban certain dog breeds (and sometimes cats, too), Ireland does not impose an outright ban. Instead, they list “ restricted ” dogs that must be muzzled when in public, held on a “strong” leash (no longer than 2 meters or 6.5 feet) , and handled by someone who is at least 16 years old. These are the restricted breeds:

• Bull Mastiff
• Doberman Pinscher
• English Bull Terrier
• German Shepherd (Alsatian)
• Japanese Akita
• Japanese Tosa
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Any mix of the above breeds

Ireland will not allow you to import kittens, puppies, or baby ferrets that are less than 15 weeks old and whose rabies immunization is less than 21 days old at the time of entry. 

Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to Ireland?

All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be implanted with a microchip that meets ISO standard 11784 or 11785. (The number will be 15 digits.) The microchip must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination. If your pet has a microchip that is not ISO-compliant, you have three choices:

• Have your veterinarian implant another microchip that does meet ISO standards, and is not harmful. Both microchip numbers must be listed on your pet's records.
• Carry a chip reader that customs officials can use to scan your pet, or
• Notify Irish customs ahead of time so they can have the right type of scanner available

What Are the Quarantine Requirements for a Pet Traveling to Ireland?

As long as your pet(s) have all the required import/health documentation, they will not be quarantined in Ireland.  

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Our Ireland pet shipping services include:

• Door-to-door transport
• Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to Ireland (outlined above)
• USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
• Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification   and   emergency notification instructions
• Customs clearance and delivery to your home
• Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in major Ireland cities as well as their surrounding areas
• Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels  to Ireland .

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

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links and is a member of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win for us both! For more info, see the Privacy Policy

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.

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. 

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

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

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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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 – 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  – <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.

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.

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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How to bring your pets with you when you move to Ireland

I moved to ireland from the us with two cats and two dogs in tow fortunately it’s not as complicated as it once was.

When we decided to move from Buffalo, N.Y. to somewhere that was yet-to-be-determined in Ireland , one of the things that wasn't up for any sort of debate was that our animals would be coming with us. If that wasn't going to happen, the move wasn't going to happen, either.

Fortunately, it's not as complicated as it used to be.

For a long time, moving animals from one country to another meant an unbearably long quarantine, and that separation just wasn't an option for us. The laws have since changed, though, meaning that with the right paperwork, the right sequence of shots and the right timing, it's pretty easy for your pets to go right along with you on your move.

Read more:  Northern Ireland and Game of Thrones tours

The idea of bringing our two cats and two dogs to Ireland was intimidating. Do any kind of research and you'll undoubtedly find all kinds of horror stories that will likely make you think twice about doing it. For me, hearing those stories was nothing short of tear-inducing. I'm extremely close to my animals, my dogs in particular. The blessing of working from home means that I've been with them for most of their lives, since we brought them home as 8-week-old puppies. Cattle dogs are notoriously dedicated to their human companions as well, and that added to the stress. I wasn't sure how they were going to do on the trip, how they would face the noise, the unfamiliar surroundings, and the strange people.

Read more:  Celtic canines - the top ten Irish dog breeds (PHOTOS) 

And the cats were of equal concern. Our older cat was a rescue from a hoarder home, so at least she had some experience with chaos and noise. The younger one was picked up on the side of the road as a 4-week-old kitten, though, and he'd known nothing but coddling, quiet and warm sleeps. The thought of them on a plane, by themselves ... it was honestly the most terrifying part of the move.

But in the end it was fine.

The first thing we did was get a pet shipper. The requirements for entry into another country can change at any time, and they're different based on where you're coming from and going to, and also depending on what kind of animal you're bringing.

No matter what you're going to end up needing to fill out dozens of forms, so, provided you can afford it, hiring a pet shipper to help schedule vet visits, review forms, and to book their flights is worth the few hundred dollars.

Reading though the forms, requirements and dates was a bit mind-numbing, but the actual process was easy. For the dogs, it was a few vet visits to get vaccinations and to be implanted with EU-specific microchips, which are different than those used in the U.S. Then there was bloodwork, lab tests, a dose of wormer, and finally an all-clear, with paperwork sent off to APHIS, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The cats were re-microchipped and re-vaccinated as well, and then their paperwork was sent off.

Read more:  The internet's obsession with cats is older than ancient Irish fairy stories 

As that's all time-sensitive, it ended up being the most harrowing part of the process. Without APHIS-approved documents, pets are not allowed on the plane, and it all needs to be filled out, mailed overnight, and sent back within days of flying.

We got their paperwork back without a hitch and found a non-stop flight from Newark to Dublin with room for all four crates. We were on the same flight, and by the time we got our bags and our rental car in Dublin, they were waiting for us at the agricultural intake facility on the other end. When I walked in to get them, there were my special little guys, hanging out with the staff with wagging tails. The worry and the stress had been for nothing, and even though it was more expensive for them to fly than it was for us, it was worth every penny.

For more information on bringing your pets with you when you move to Ireland, visit the Citizens Information website here .

Read more:  Galway and the West tours

Originally from Attica, NY Debra Kelly is a freelance writer and journalist who has seen most of the U.S. during her travels. Ready for something new, she's now living in the wild hills of Connemara with her husband and plenty of animals. She is a frequent contributor to Urban Ghosts , Listverse and Knowledgenuts . You can read her most recent IrishCentral article, about moving from Buffalo to Connemara, here .

* Originally published in December 2015.

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