Pet Passport Scheme 

The Pet Passport scheme enables you to avoid putting your cat or dog into quarantine when you travel to certain countries . To qualify for exemption from quarantine, you must meet various conditions relating to your pet's health.

The conditions are set out in brief below. We strongly recommend visiting the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website ( www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets ) for the latest and full information well in advance of your travel date.

Pet Travel and EU Pet Passport

From the 1st January 2012 there will be harmonised conditions for pet dogs, cats and ferrets that travel throughout the entire EU, including Ireland. Pets entering Ireland from the EU will require:

Passport/certificate showing identification

Subsequent rabies vaccination at least 30 days before entry

Specific tapeworm treatment of all pet dogs

Pets travelling from other qualifying (low risk) countries can also travel into Ireland on the same conditions as set out above.

Pets travelling from other non-qualifying (high risk) countries can also travel into Ireland without quarantine provided the pet has a passport/certificate showing identification and a subsequent rabies vaccination. At least 30 days after rabies vaccination a pet must be blood tested to confirm a neutralising antibody titration at least equal to 0.5 IU/ml.  A pet may enter Ireland only when at least three months has expired since a successful blood-test.  

 

 To get a 'passport' your pet must:

• Have a microchip implanted by a vet.
• Be vaccinated against rabies. This must be done at least 30 days prior to travel. The rabies vaccination will need to be kept up-to-date by way of regular revaccination. We can inform you how often this needs to be done as it depends on the brand of vaccine used. 
• Get a Pet Passport issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. These passports are available at Inishfree Veterinary Hospital.
• While treatment against ticks is no longer  a compulsory requirement , travellers are advised on animal and human health grounds to avail of tick treatment for their pets.
• Echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment applies only to dogs- dogs must be treated not more than 120 hrs and not less than 24 hrs prior to scheduled arrival time in Ireland. This treatment must be recorded on the pet passport and endorsed by a veterinarian by signature and stamp. 
• Your pet has not been outside any of the qualifying countries in the six months before it enters Ireland.your pet is travelling on an authorised route with an approved transport company.
• Speak to the carrier in advance to ascertain the conditions that your pet will travel in and to ensure that you have the required paperwork.
• Do not use sedatives unless advised by a vet.
• Give your pet only a light meal about 2 hours before travel.
• Check with the carrier that your pet will have full and constant access to fresh water.
• Use a pet carrier which enables your pet to stand, sit and lie down in a natural position, and to turn around easily. The carrier should contain absorbent bedding and provide ample ventilation. A familiar toy can help your pet get used to the pet carrier.
• Ensure that your pet will not be exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Try and match your pets sleeping patterns by travelling overnight where possible

 

Travelling to Britain  from Ireland with Pets 

Effective from 1st January 2021, the United Kingdom is deemed a Part 2 listed third country under the EU Pet Passport Scheme.  We advise you to contact the Department of Agriculture for the most up to date information concerning the movement of pets to the UK from Ireland, or bringing pets back home from the UK.