🇮🇪 Pet Import to Ireland

Ireland applies EU Pet Travel Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 for the movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets. All pets must carry an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip (15-digit) implanted before or at the same time as rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination must be administered after microchipping and be at least 21 days old on the date of first entry; a valid EU Pet Passport or, for non-EU arrivals, an official animal health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian, serves as the documentary record. Ireland imposes no quarantine for pets arriving from other EU member states or DAFM-listed third countries. Pets from unlisted countries must present a FAVN (fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation) rabies antibody titer test showing a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, conducted at an EU-approved laboratory no earlier than 30 days after vaccination, followed by a mandatory three-month waiting period before entry is permitted. Ireland is one of only four EU member states — alongside Finland, Malta, and Norway — that have special status regarding Echinococcus multilocularis (fox tapeworm). All dogs entering Ireland must receive an approved praziquantel-based anthelmintic treatment administered by a veterinarian not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before scheduled arrival; this requirement applies regardless of country of origin within the EU. Cats and ferrets are exempt. Entry is restricted to approved points of entry designated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM): Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, and Rosslare Europort. Pets arriving outside these approved routes are refused entry. Ireland does not operate a general breed ban under national legislation, but the Control of Dogs Acts 1986–2010 list 11 restricted breeds — including American pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Rottweiler, Dobermann, and related types — which must be muzzled and kept on a short lead in public places. Exotic animals are governed by CITES and Irish wildlife legislation; separate import permits apply.