Bringing your dog to Ireland requires careful planning and adherence to the country's strict regulations.This guide covers all legal requirements for importing dogs to Ireland from EU and non-EU countries. Ireland is a rabies free country.
Important Notice
Always check the most current requirements on the official government website: pettravel.gov.ie
Requirements can change, and this guide provides general information only. Always verify requirements with your vet and the Department of Agriculture before travel.
Minimum Age Requirement
Dogs must be at least 15 weeks old to be imported to Ireland. This is because rabies vaccination cannot be given until 12 weeks of age, and you must then wait a further 3 weeks for the vaccine to become fully active in the dog's system before travel is permitted.
EU Pet Passport Requirements
If you're travelling from an EU country, your dog must have a valid EU Pet Passport containing:
- Microchip identification: ISO compliant 15-digit microchip
- Rabies vaccination: Current and valid rabies vaccination
- Owner details: Complete contact information
- Vet certification: All entries must be made by an authorised veterinarian
- Vet inspection: This should be done 48 hours before departure
Microchip Requirements:
- Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
- ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip
- If non-ISO chip, you must provide your own scanner
- Microchip number must match passport records exactly
Vaccination Requirements
Rabies Vaccination (Mandatory)
- Primary vaccination: Must be given at least 21 days before travel
- Booster vaccinations: Must be current and within validity period
- Age requirement: Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination
- Documentation: All vaccinations must be recorded in pet passport or health certificate
Recommended Additional Vaccinations:
While not mandatory for entry, these vaccinations are recommended for your dog's health:
- Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis (DHPPL)
- Kennel cough (Bordetella)
- Consult your Irish vet about local disease risks upon arrival
Non-EU Country Requirements
Importing from non-EU countries requires additional documentation and procedures:
Health Certificate Requirements:
- Official health certificate: From government veterinarian in country of origin
- Microchip: Same requirements as EU travel
- Rabies vaccination: Same requirements as EU travel
- Rabies antibody test: Required for many non-EU countries
- Internal parasite treatment: May be required depending on country of origin
Rabies Antibody Testing:
For most non-EU countries, a rabies antibody test is required:
- Blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination
- Test must show antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml
- Three-month waiting period required after successful test before travel
- Test must be conducted at an EU-approved laboratory
Approved Entry Points
Dogs can only enter Ireland through designated airports and ports:
Airports:
- Dublin Airport - Main international gateway
- Cork Airport - Limited international flights
- Shannon Airport - International flights
Seaports:
- Dublin Port - Ferry services from UK and Europe
- Cork Port - Ferry services from France
- Rosslare Port - Ferry services from UK and Europe
Port Requirements:
You may need to notify authorities in advance of your arrival. Check with your chosen entry point about notification requirements and office hours for pet entry inspections.
Prohibited and Restricted Breeds
Prohibited Breeds (Cannot be imported):
- American XL Bully (as of February 2024)
- Any dogs with cropped ears
Important: You may be able to apply for special exemptions, but you will need permission from the Department of Agriculture to do this. .
Costs and Fees
Typical Costs for Importing a Dog:
- Veterinary examination: €50-€100
- Health certificate: €100-€200
- Rabies antibody test: €150-€250 (non-EU only)
- Pet passport (EU): €20-€40
- Import inspection fee: €50-€100
- Airline pet transport: €200-€1000+ depending on size and route
Total estimated cost: €500-€2000 depending on origin country and requirements
Timeline and Planning
Recommended Timeline:
- 3-6 months before travel: Start planning, research requirements
- 3 months before: Get microchip if not already done
- 3 months before: Rabies vaccination (if first time)
- 2.5 months before: Rabies antibody test (non-EU countries)
- 1 month before: Health certificate and final vet check
- 10 days before: Confirm all documentation is complete
- Day of travel: Arrive at airport/port with extra time for inspections
After Arrival in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
For EU countries with pet passports, the process can be completed in 3-4 weeks if all vaccinations are current. For non-EU countries requiring rabies antibody testing, allow 4-6 months due to the mandatory waiting periods and testing requirements.
Puppies under 12 weeks cannot be vaccinated against rabies and therefore cannot enter Ireland unless they are accompanied by their mother and have never left the premises where they were born. Special permission is required and rarely granted.
If documentation is incomplete or incorrect, your dog may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at your expense until requirements are met. In severe cases, your dog may be returned to the country of origin. Always verify all documentation before travel.
For non-EU countries, you may need to notify the Department of Agriculture 24-48 hours before arrival. Even for EU travel, it's recommended to contact your entry point to confirm inspection procedures and office hours, especially for weekends or holidays.
Need Help?
For official guidance and the most current requirements:
- Pet Travel Website: pettravel.gov.ie
- Department of Agriculture: Contact for specific questions about your situation
- Your Veterinarian: Essential for ensuring all health requirements are met
- Embassy/Consulate: Can provide country-specific export requirements
