Bringing a pet to Ireland

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Ireland has strict pet import rules that vary depending on the rabies-risk category of the origin country. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets from low-risk countries, but animals from higher-risk areas face additional testing and waiting periods. Expect thorough documentation checks and microchip verification upon arrival.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (Annex IV or equivalent)
  • Microchip proof

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements beyond standard EU pet travel rules.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (Annex IV or equivalent)
  • Microchip proof

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Low-risk origins follow the same rules as free origins.

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 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 7 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (Annex IV or equivalent)
  • Microchip proof
  • Rabies titer test certificate
  • Import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from high-risk origins must be at least 7 months old due to titer test timing. Import permit must be obtained before travel.

DAFM Ireland

Frequently asked questions

Yes. For dogs from high-risk origins, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is required. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sent to an EU-approved laboratory. Results must show an antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The dog must be at least 7 months old to complete the process.
You can bring up to 5 dogs under the non-commercial pet travel rules. If you bring more than 5, commercial import regulations apply, which require additional documentation and fees.
No. Emotional support and service dogs are not exempt from standard import requirements. They must still meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit rules. No special waivers exist for these animals.
The minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks, and the dog must be at least 12 weeks old to travel. For high-risk origins, the dog must be at least 7 months old due to the titer test waiting period.
The health certificate must be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of your dog's arrival in Ireland. It must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
Yes. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit). If your dog's microchip is not ISO-compliant, you must bring your own scanner. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
No. Ireland does not require quarantine for dogs that meet all import requirements, regardless of origin. However, if your dog fails to meet any requirement (e.g., missing titer test for high-risk origin), it may be quarantined or refused entry.

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 or DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex II or IV) endorsed by official vet
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Pet passport (if from EU/EEA) or third-country health certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€80-200, rabies vaccine ~€30-60, pet passport ~€30-50 if applicable. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture.

Cats from Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and other EU-equivalent territories follow the same rules as EU intra-community travel. No titer test or import permit needed.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex IV) endorsed by official vet
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Third-country health certificate (e.g. USDA APHIS 7001 for US-origin cats)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€100-250, rabies vaccine ~€30-60, USDA endorsement ~$38-121 if applicable. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture.

Cats from low-risk countries (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada) must enter via an approved Traveller Point of Entry (TPE) in Ireland. No titer test or import permit required. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

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 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Import permit from Irish Department of Agriculture
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex IV) endorsed by official vet
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Third-country health certificate (e.g. USDA APHIS 7001 for US-origin cats)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€100-250, rabies vaccine ~€30-60, FAVN titer test ~€100-250, import permit ~€50-100, USDA endorsement ~$38-121 if applicable. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Irish Department of Agriculture.

Cats from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must meet all requirements including FAVN titer test and import permit. The 3-month waiting period after the titer test must be observed before travel. No quarantine upon arrival if all paperwork is in order.

DAFM Ireland

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bring up to 5 cats (or dogs) as a non-commercial traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 5, you must comply with commercial regulations, including additional health certifications and possible customs duties. All animals must meet the same individual health requirements.
No. The US is classified as a low-risk country for rabies. Cats from the US do not need a FAVN titer test. They only need a microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival in Ireland.
No. Ireland does not recognise emotional support animals as a separate category under pet import rules. Your cat must meet all standard requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if from a high-risk country, a FAVN titer test and import permit. No exceptions are made for ESAs.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in Ireland. If it expires before you land, you will be denied entry and your cat may be placed in quarantine or returned to the origin country. Always schedule the vet visit and certificate endorsement as close to departure as possible.
That depends on the airline's policy, not Irish import rules. Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat (typically max 8 kg including carrier). For larger cats, they must travel in the cargo hold. Check with your airline directly for their specific size and weight limits.
Yes. Cats entering Ireland from non-EU countries must arrive at an approved Traveller Point of Entry (TPE). These include Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, and Dublin Port. If you arrive at a non-approved entry point, your cat may be quarantined. For EU-origin cats, any EU entry point is acceptable.
There is no specific minimum age for cats under Irish import rules, but the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and you must wait 21 days after that vaccination before travel. So the earliest a kitten can enter Ireland is about 15 weeks old (12 weeks + 21 days).

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate
  • Health certificate (EU Annex IV model for non-commercial movement)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~€30-60, rabies vaccine ~€40-80, health certificate ~€80-200, EU pet passport (if applicable) ~€30-50. Prices vary by vet and region.

Ferrets from EU/EEA/listed third countries (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) need an EU pet passport or EU-compliant health certificate. No titer test or import permit required. Must enter via an approved Traveller Point of Entry (TPE) — Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, Shannon Airport, or Cork Airport.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate
  • Health certificate (EU Annex IV model for non-commercial movement)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~€30-60, rabies vaccine ~€40-80, health certificate ~€80-200, EU pet passport (if applicable) ~€30-50. Prices vary by vet and region.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia) must enter via an approved Traveller Point of Entry (TPE) — Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, Shannon Airport, or Cork Airport. No titer test or import permit required. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

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 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate
  • Health certificate (EU Annex IV model for non-commercial movement)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~€30-60, rabies vaccine ~€40-80, FAVN titer test ~€100-250, health certificate ~€80-200, import permit fee ~€50-100. Prices vary by vet and region.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/South Asia/Middle East) require a rabies titer test and an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The titer test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory. No quarantine upon arrival if all requirements met. Must enter via an approved Traveller Point of Entry (TPE) — Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, Shannon Airport, or Cork Airport.

DAFM Ireland

Frequently asked questions

No. All ferrets entering Ireland, including from the UK, must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The UK is classified as low-risk, so no titer test or import permit is needed, but the rabies vaccine is mandatory regardless of origin.
Ireland follows EU rules: you may bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets combined) on a non-commercial journey. If you bring more than 5, you must comply with commercial import regulations, which require a licensed transporter and additional paperwork.
No. The US is classified as low-risk for rabies. Ferrets from the US need a microchip, rabies vaccine (at least 21 days before travel), and an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test or import permit is required.
No. Ireland does not recognise emotional support animals under pet import rules. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements. Service animals (guide dogs) have separate rules but still require rabies vaccination and a health certificate.
The rabies vaccine must be valid on the day of travel. If it expires before your arrival date, you need a booster and must wait 21 days after the booster before entering Ireland. Plan the vaccination timing carefully to avoid delays.
No. Ferrets must enter through an approved Traveller Point of Entry (TPE): Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, Shannon Airport, or Cork Airport. Arriving at other points may result in refusal of entry or quarantine.
Yes. Ferrets from high-risk countries require an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, plus a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, done at an EU-approved lab at least 3 months before travel. Apply for the permit well in advance — processing can take 4-6 weeks.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before any rabies vaccination. Ensure your pet's rabies vaccine is administered after the microchip is implanted, or the vaccination may not be recognized.

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.