Taking your dog from Ireland to another country requires proper documentation and health certificates. This guide covers requirements for exporting dogs from Ireland to EU and international destinations. Additional requirements may be needed if you are doing this commercially, as opposed to your own personal dog.
Important Notice
Always check the most current requirements with both Irish authorities and your destination country. Visit: pettravel.gov.ie
Each country has specific import requirements that must be met before your dog can enter. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country for official requirements.
Exporting to EU Countries
For travel within the European Union, the process is typically straightforward with an EU Pet Passport:
EU Pet Passport Requirements:
- Valid EU Pet Passport: Issued by authorised Irish veterinarian
- Microchip: ISO compliant 15-digit microchip
- Current rabies vaccination: Must be valid for duration of travel. Note: rabies vaccines are only given to dogs over 12 weeks of age, and it takes a further 3 weeks until the vaccine is considered "active". For this reason only dogs over 15 weeks can be exported.
- Health examination: Recent vet check confirming good health
Getting an EU Pet Passport in Ireland:
- Visit an authorised veterinarian (most Irish vets are authorised)
- Ensure microchip is implanted first
- Get rabies vaccination (must be at least 21 days old)
- Vet will issue passport with all required entries
- Cost typically €20-€40 plus vaccination fees
Exporting to Non-EU Countries
Exporting to countries outside the EU requires additional documentation and procedures:
Health Certificate Requirements:
- Official export health certificate: From Department of Agriculture
- Veterinary examination: Pre-export health check by authorised vet
- Microchip identification: ISO compliant chip
- Rabies vaccination: Current and valid
- Additional vaccinations: As required by destination country
- Parasite treatments: Internal and external parasite treatments if required
Country-Specific Requirements:
Many non-EU countries have additional requirements such as:
- Rabies antibody testing: Especially for USA, Australia, New Zealand
- Quarantine periods: Some countries require quarantine on arrival
- Import permits: Must be obtained before travel
- Breed restrictions: Some breeds may be prohibited
- Endorsement by embassy: Health certificates may need embassy approval
Vaccination Requirements
Core Vaccinations (Always Required):
- Rabies: Must be current and valid for travel period
- Microchip: Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Additional Vaccinations (Country Dependent):
- DHPPL: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis
- Kennel Cough: Often required for boarding or certain destinations
- Tick-borne diseases: Required for some European countries
Vaccination Timing:
- Rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old before travel
- Annual boosters must be current
- Some countries require vaccines to be given within specific timeframes (e.g., within 12 months but not less than 21 days)
Departure Points from Ireland
Dogs can depart Ireland through these designated airports and ports:
Airports:
- Dublin Airport - Most international destinations
- Cork Airport - Limited international flights
- Shannon Airport - Transatlantic and European flights
Seaports:
- Dublin Port - Ferry services to UK and Europe
- Cork Port - Ferry services to France
- Rosslare Port - Ferry services to UK and Europe
Departure Procedures:
- Arrive at airport/port with extra time for documentation checks
- Present all required certificates to customs/veterinary officials
- Some destinations may require inspection before departure
- Ensure airline/ferry company is aware you're travelling with a pet
Health Certificate Process
Steps to Obtain Export Health Certificate:
- Contact destination country: Confirm current import requirements
- Visit authorised vet: Health examination and certificate preparation
- Submit to Department of Agriculture: For official endorsement
- Allow processing time: 3-10 working days depending on destination
- Collect endorsed certificate: Usually valid for 10 days from issue
Important Timing:
Health certificates are typically valid for only 10 days from the date of issue. Plan your departure date carefully and don't submit for endorsement too early. The veterinary examination must usually be within 48-72 hours of departure.
Costs and Fees
Typical Export Costs:
- Veterinary examination: €50-€100
- Health certificate preparation: €100-€200
- Department of Agriculture endorsement: €50-€150
- Additional vaccinations: €50-€150
- Rabies antibody test: €150-€250 (if required)
- Airline pet transport: €200-€1500+ depending on destination and size
Total estimated cost: €600-€2500 depending on destination and requirements
Popular Destinations
United Kingdom:
- EU Pet Passport accepted for travel to Northern Ireland
- Health certificate required for Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
- Must use approved routes and carriers
United States:
- Health certificate required
- Rabies vaccination mandatory
- Some breeds restricted or prohibited
- Entry only through approved airports
Australia/New Zealand:
- Strict quarantine requirements
- Extensive testing and preparation period
- Import permits required well in advance
- Professional pet relocation services recommended
Planning Timeline
Recommended Timeline:
- 2-6 months before: Research destination requirements, contact embassy if needed
- 6-8 weeks before: Book airline/ferry travel, arrange pet transport
- 4 weeks before: Ensure all vaccinations are current
- 2 weeks before: Health examination and certificate preparation
- 1 week before: Submit certificate for endorsement
- 2-3 days before: Collect endorsed certificate
- Day of travel: Final health check if required
Frequently Asked Questions
For EU destinations, 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient. For complex destinations like Australia or New Zealand, start 3-6 months in advance. Some countries require import permits that can take months to process. Always check specific requirements early.
Most Irish veterinarians are authorised to conduct health examinations and prepare export certificates. However, the Department of Agriculture must endorse certificates for non-EU destinations. Your vet will guide you through the process and let you know what additional steps are needed.
Import requirements can change with little notice, especially during disease outbreaks. Always verify requirements close to your travel date. Consider purchasing pet travel insurance to cover unexpected costs if requirements change or travel is delayed.
For complex destinations with strict requirements (like Australia, New Zealand, or Japan), professional pet relocation services can be invaluable. They handle documentation, coordinate with authorities, and ensure compliance with all requirements. For simpler EU destinations, you can usually handle the process yourself.
Helpful Resources
- Pet Travel Ireland: pettravel.gov.ie
- Department of Agriculture: For health certificate endorsement
- Destination Country Embassy: For current import requirements
- Your Veterinarian: For health examinations and certificates
- Airline/Ferry Company: For pet transport policies and procedures
