Bringing a pet to Ireland

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Ireland follows the EU Pet Travel Scheme and operates a zero-quarantine policy for compliant pets. Dogs, cats and ferrets that meet the microchip, rabies vaccination and documentation rules enter directly, while non-compliant animals may be detained, returned or destroyed at the owner's expense. Requirements vary by the origin country's rabies status, so owners should confirm their origin tier before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Ireland.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorised veterinarian in the origin country; for EU-origin pets an EU pet passport is used instead of a separate health certificate · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Ireland does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, the following breeds (or crosses thereof) must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places: American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann Pinscher, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, and Bandog. This is a public-safety control measure, not an import ban. Some airlines may refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boxers due to breathing risks; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or official veterinary health certificate
  • Proof of valid rabies vaccination (date must be after microchip implantation and at least 21 days before travel)
  • Microchip certificate or scanned microchip number
  • Signed declaration that the pet is not intended for sale or transfer of ownership

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, EU pet passport or health certificate ~€50-150, plus carrier fees. Prices vary by vet and country; confirm with your vet and DAFM.

Free-tier origins are treated as EU-equivalent for pet travel. No titer test or import permit is required. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination. If the rabies vaccination is a booster given before the previous one expired, the 21-day wait does not apply.

DAFM Ireland

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorised veterinarian in the origin country; for EU-origin pets an EU pet passport is used instead of a separate health certificate · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Ireland does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, the following breeds (or crosses thereof) must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places: American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann Pinscher, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, and Bandog. This is a public-safety control measure, not an import ban. Some airlines may refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boxers due to breathing risks; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or official veterinary health certificate
  • Proof of valid rabies vaccination (date must be after microchip implantation and at least 21 days before travel)
  • Microchip certificate or scanned microchip number
  • Signed declaration that the pet is not intended for sale or transfer of ownership

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, EU pet passport or health certificate ~€50-150, plus carrier fees. Prices vary by vet and country; confirm with your vet and DAFM.

Low-risk origins are treated similarly to EU origins for pet travel. No titer test or import permit is required. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination. If the rabies vaccination is a booster given before the previous one expired, the 21-day wait does not apply.

DAFM Ireland

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian in the origin country; the certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Ireland does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, the following breeds (or crosses thereof) must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places: American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann Pinscher, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, and Bandog. This is a public-safety control measure, not an import ban. Some airlines may refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boxers due to breathing risks; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
  • Proof of valid rabies vaccination (date must be after microchip implantation)
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Microchip certificate or scanned microchip number
  • Signed declaration that the pet is not intended for sale or transfer of ownership
  • Advance notification to DAFM (at least 24 hours before arrival) if required

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, FAVN titer test ~€100-250, health certificate ~€100-200, plus carrier fees. Prices vary by vet and country; confirm with your vet and DAFM.

High-risk origins must meet the full EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for non-EU countries. The pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have a valid titer test. Travel must occur at least 3 months after the titer test (unless the pet was tested before entering a high-risk country and has had continuous boosters). Entry is only permitted through an approved Travellers' Point of Entry. Non-compliant pets may be detained, returned or destroyed at the owner's expense.

DAFM Ireland

Frequently asked questions

A single non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) into Ireland under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. If you are travelling with more than 5 pets, the movement is considered commercial and you must meet additional requirements, including an import licence and compliance with trade rules. The 5-pet limit applies per traveller, not per household.
No. Ireland does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. All dogs entering Ireland must comply with microchip, rabies vaccination, and documentation rules, regardless of whether they assist a person with a disability. Some airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but that is separate from border compliance. Always confirm with DAFM and your carrier.
For a primary rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days after the vaccination before your dog can enter Ireland. If your dog received a booster vaccination before the previous one expired, the 21-day wait does not apply, provided you have documentation of the continuous vaccination history. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid.
It depends on where you are travelling from. Dogs from EU member states and listed low-risk countries do not need a titer test. Dogs from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East) must have a FAVN or RFFIT test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, with the blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. The test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory.
No. Pets from outside the EU must enter through an approved Travellers' Point of Entry. The main ones are Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, Cork Airport, and Shannon Airport. If you arrive at a non-approved point, you may be required to travel onward to an approved entry point at your own expense, and your pet may be detained.
If your dog does not meet the import requirements, it may be detained, returned to the origin country, or in serious cases destroyed. You will be responsible for all costs. There is no routine quarantine option for non-compliant pets; Ireland operates a zero-quarantine policy for compliant animals, but non-compliant animals are not simply quarantined and released. Always check your documents with DAFM before travelling.
No. If you are travelling from another EU member state or a free-tier origin treated as EU-equivalent, your dog needs an EU pet passport instead of a separate health certificate. The passport must show a valid microchip number and rabies vaccination. For non-EU origins, an official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority is required, and it must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Ireland.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or authorised private vet for EU pet passports) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent official veterinary certificate for non-EU free-tier origins)
  • Proof of ISO microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid from 21 days after primary vaccination, then boosters within expiry)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, EU pet passport ~€50-100 if not already held, health certificate ~€50-150 if required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

For cats from EU/EEA countries and listed third countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), an EU pet passport issued by an authorised vet is sufficient. No titer test or quarantine. The cat must be microchipped before rabies vaccination. Tapeworm treatment is not required for cats.

DAFM Ireland

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority, e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary health certificate (in English or with certified translation) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid from 21 days after primary vaccination, then boosters within expiry)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, health certificate ~€100-200, possible courier/endorsement fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

For cats from non-EU countries with controlled rabies status (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia), an official veterinary certificate is required. No rabies titer test or quarantine. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinarian. Cats do not require tapeworm treatment.

DAFM Ireland

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary health certificate (in English or with certified translation) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (showing ≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Declaration of compliance with titer test timing

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, FAVN titer test ~€100-250 plus shipping to EU lab, health certificate ~€100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

For cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test is mandatory. The cat must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, then blood-sampled at least 30 days later. The titer result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml and the test must be done at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. If the titer test is not done or fails, the cat may be quarantined or refused entry.

DAFM Ireland

Frequently asked questions

A single non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 cats into Ireland under the pet travel scheme. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and additional rules apply, including possible import licences and veterinary certification for trade.
No. Ireland does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the border rules are unchanged.
It depends on the origin country. Cats from EU/EEA countries and listed third countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) do not need a titer test. Cats from low-risk countries like the USA, UK, Japan, or Australia also do not need a titer test. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN rabies titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.
A cat must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to enter Ireland. This is because the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and there is a 21-day waiting period after the primary vaccination before the cat is considered protected.
No. Tapeworm treatment is not required for cats entering Ireland. It is only required for dogs travelling from certain countries (e.g., Finland, Malta, Norway, and some others) under the EU pet travel scheme.
If your cat does not meet the entry requirements, it may be quarantined at your expense, returned to the origin country, or in some cases euthanised. The Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will decide based on the specific non-compliance. Always verify all documents with your vet and the Irish authorities before travel.
Airlines set their own policies for cabin travel. Many allow small cats in the cabin for a fee, but some require them to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Ireland's border rules do not prohibit cabin travel, but you must comply with the airline's requirements. Always check with your airline well in advance.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Ireland.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an official veterinarian authorised by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or, for non-EU free-tier origins, an official veterinary health certificate in the EU model format)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before or at the same time as rabies vaccination
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing a primary course completed at least 21 days before travel
  • Signed owner declaration that the movement is non-commercial (fewer than 5 ferrets, no sale/transfer of ownership)

Rough budget

Rough, approximate ballpark only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, EU pet passport ~€50–100 (if issued), official health certificate ~€50–150, plus any courier/endorsement fees. No titer test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Ferrets from free-tier origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) are treated as EU-equivalent under the EU Pet Travel Scheme: no rabies titer test, no import permit, no quarantine. The ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at primary rabies vaccination and travel at least 21 days after that vaccination. A 24-hour pre-departure veterinary check for fitness to travel is good practice but not a separate legal document.

DAFM Ireland

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an official veterinarian authorised by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (if issued in an EU country) or an official veterinary health certificate in the EU model format for non-EU low-risk origins
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before or at the same time as rabies vaccination
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing a primary course completed at least 21 days before travel
  • Signed owner declaration that the movement is non-commercial (fewer than 5 ferrets, no sale/transfer of ownership)

Rough budget

Rough, approximate ballpark only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, EU pet passport ~€50–100 (if issued), official health certificate ~€50–150, plus any courier/endorsement fees. No titer test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Low-risk origins (most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.) follow the same core rules as free-tier origins: microchip, rabies vaccination at ≥12 weeks, travel ≥21 days after vaccination, no titer test, no import permit, no quarantine. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

DAFM Ireland

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an official veterinarian authorised by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary health certificate in the EU model format, issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before or at the same time as rabies vaccination
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing a primary course completed at least 21 days before travel
  • FAVN (or equivalent) rabies titer test certificate showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, with the blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before entry
  • Signed owner declaration that the movement is non-commercial (fewer than 5 ferrets, no sale/transfer of ownership)

Rough budget

Rough, approximate ballpark only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, FAVN titer test ~€100–250, official health certificate ~€50–150, plus courier/endorsement fees. No import permit or quarantine applies in this tier if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

High-risk origins (CDC-flagged high-risk-for-dog-rabies countries such as Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/South Asia/Middle East) must meet the full EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for ferrets: microchip, rabies vaccination at ≥12 weeks, FAVN titer test ≥0.5 IU/ml at least 30 days after vaccination, and a 90-day wait from the date of the blood sample before entry. No import permit is required for ferrets under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, and there is no quarantine if all conditions are met.

DAFM Ireland

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 ferrets per traveller without triggering commercial import requirements. More than 5 is treated as commercial and requires additional EU trade rules (e.g. registration, official veterinarian certification, and possibly an import licence). The ferrets must accompany you or a person responsible for them, and you must sign a declaration that the movement is non-commercial (no sale or transfer of ownership).
It depends on the origin country. From a free-tier or low-risk country (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia), no rabies titer test is required. From a high-risk country (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN (or equivalent) rabies neutralising antibody titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml is mandatory. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination, and you must then wait at least 90 days from the date the sample was taken before entering Ireland.
No. Ireland does not impose quarantine on ferrets entering under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, provided all entry conditions are met (microchip, rabies vaccination, and for high-risk origins, a valid titer test and 90-day wait). If your ferret does not meet the requirements, it may be refused entry, isolated, or returned at your expense — but there is no routine quarantine period.
You need: (1) proof of an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before or at the same time as rabies vaccination; (2) a rabies vaccination certificate showing a primary course completed at least 21 days before travel (vaccine given at ≥12 weeks of age); (3) an EU pet passport (if issued in the EU) or an official veterinary health certificate in the EU model format issued within 10 days of travel; (4) for high-risk origins, a FAVN titer test certificate showing ≥0.5 IU/ml with the blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before entry; and (5) a signed non-commercial movement declaration. No import permit is required for ferrets.
No. Ireland does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the EU Pet Travel Scheme requirements for ferrets. Your ferret must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and 90-day wait rules as any other ferret. Airlines may also have their own policies for assistance animals in the cabin, but that does not override Irish import law.
A ferret must be at least 12 weeks old to receive its primary rabies vaccination, and it cannot enter Ireland until at least 21 days after that vaccination. In practice, the youngest a ferret can enter Ireland is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days) from a free-tier or low-risk origin. From a high-risk origin, the ferret must also wait 90 days after the titer test blood sample, so the earliest entry is typically around 7–8 months of age, depending on when the sample was taken.
You must enter through an approved point of entry, such as Dublin Airport, Rosslare Europort, or other designated ports. You must declare the ferret to customs and present the original documentation (pet passport or health certificate, vaccination record, and titer test certificate if applicable). Travelling with a ferret in the cabin or as checked baggage depends on the airline's policy — check with your carrier well in advance, as many airlines restrict ferrets to cargo.

Good to know

Ireland applies EU Pet Travel Scheme rules. Pets from outside the EU must generally arrive through an approved Travellers' Point of Entry (Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport) and be declared to customs. Pets from non-EU countries must be accompanied by an EU health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in the origin country; pets from EU member states use an EU pet passport. Advance notification to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) may be required for non-commercial movement from certain non-EU origins. Verify current rules with DAFM before travel.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Ireland, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Ireland's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.