Photo by Dahlia E. Akhaine on Unsplash
Moving to Ireland with your beloved pet is possible but complex. Ireland maintains strict quarantine and health regulations to protect its livestock and prevent rabies and other diseases from entering the island. Unlike the US where pets can travel freely between states, Ireland requires detailed documentation, vaccination records, health certificates, and quarantine periods. Navigating these requirements demands months of planning, but thousands of Americans successfully bring pets to Ireland annually.
This guide explains Ireland’s pet import regulations, the quarantine process, transportation logistics, and practical considerations for your furry family members.
Regulatory Framework: The Pet Travel Scheme
Ireland’s Quarantine Requirements
Ireland legally requires quarantine of imported pets from countries outside the EU. The quarantine period is typically 4 weeks (28 days) in approved facilities.
This is non-negotiable and not waived in any circumstances. Even if your pet has comprehensive health documentation, the quarantine is mandatory.
The quarantine exists to protect Ireland’s agriculture from diseases like rabies, which don’t exist in Ireland and are rarely encountered in Irish pets. Ireland’s island status and strict quarantine have maintained disease-free status for decades.
Required Documentation
Months before travel, you’ll need:
Microchip: Your pet must be implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip (readable by Irish scanners). Have this done 3-4 months before travel.
Rabies vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must be administered at least 30 days after microchipping and no more than 12 months before entry (though Ireland recommends vaccination within 6 months).
Health certificate: Your veterinarian issues a certificate confirming your pet is healthy and free from disease. This must be dated within 10 days of travel.
Vaccination records: All vaccinations (rabies, DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) documented on official certificates.
Import permit: Ireland’s Department of Agriculture requires an import permit before your pet can enter. You apply online at agri.ie (Ireland’s Department of Agriculture website) and receive approval, then print the permit.
Travel documentation: Airline confirmation, quarantine facility booking, and transport arrangements.
Timeline for Preparation
Start this process 4-6 months before your planned arrival:
Month 1: Microchip your pet, schedule rabies vaccination 3 months ahead.
Month 2-3: Allow rabies vaccination to take effect (30+ days post-microchip).
Month 4: Book quarantine facility, obtain import permit from Ireland’s Department of Agriculture.
Month 5: Obtain health certificate from your vet (within 10 days of travel).
Month 5-6: Finalize airline and transport arrangements, confirm all documentation is complete.
Delays at any stage can postpone your travel, so plan conservatively.
Quarantine Facilities
Finding and Booking
Ireland has approximately 30-40 approved quarantine kennels and catteries. Most are concentrated around Dublin and Cork, though some exist in other regions.
Major facilities include:
Dublin: Animal Exchange Quarantine Kennels, Baggot Street Veterinary Hospital, Foxrock Veterinary Clinic
Cork: Several smaller facilities operate in Cork and surrounding counties.
Search “Ireland quarantine kennels” or visit agri.ie for an approved facilities list.
Contact facilities 2-3 months before your planned arrival to reserve space. Popular facilities book months ahead, particularly during summer months.
Quarantine Cost and Conditions
Cost: €40-€100 daily depending on the facility and pet size. A 4-week quarantine costs €1,120-€2,800.
Conditions: Facilities provide cages/runs, daily feeding, exercise time, and basic care. Quality varies—some facilities are modern and comfortable; others are more austere.
Visit privileges: Some facilities allow limited visiting during quarantine. Confirm this with your chosen facility.
Medical care: Basic care is included; veterinary emergencies are additional costs. Some facilities have on-site vets; others refer to external practices.
Quarantine Challenges
Your pet will be confined for 4 weeks. This is stressful for animals accustomed to free movement and family interaction. Many pets struggle with quarantine behavior (anxiety, depression, reduced eating).
Mitigation strategies:
Bring comfort items: Pack familiar toys, bedding, or clothing with familiar scents.
Update records: Provide detailed feeding instructions, medication schedules, behavioral notes.
Exercise: Choose a facility offering daily exercise/socialization. This dramatically improves your pet’s quarantine experience.
Video calls: Some facilities allow video check-ins. Seeing your pet briefly reduces anxiety.
Post-quarantine planning: Arrange to pick up your pet immediately upon release. Your pet will be stressed and eager to reconnect.
Transportation to Ireland
Air Travel With Pets
Airline selection: Most major carriers (Aer Lingus, United, American, Alitalia) accept pets, but policies vary dramatically. Some allow pets in cabin (small dogs/cats under 5-7 kg); others require cargo transport.
In-cabin: Pets traveling in your cabin require a carrier fitting under the seat. Cost is typically €100-€200 per flight. Stress is lower; your pet remains with you.
Cargo: Larger pets or those not meeting cabin restrictions travel in pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo holds. This is safe but stressful. Cost is €300-€800+ depending on pet size and distance.
Pet-specific airlines: Pet Airways and similar carriers specialize in pet transport, offering less stressful travel with handlers focused on animal welfare.
Booking: Reserve pet travel when booking your flight. Confirm requirements and provide documentation to the airline at least 30 days before travel.
Ground Transport
Upon arriving at Dublin, Cork, or another Irish airport, transport your pet to the quarantine facility. This typically involves:
- Collecting your pet from the airline’s pet area (30 minutes to several hours after your landing)
- Arranging transport to the quarantine facility
- Checking your pet into quarantine
Many quarantine facilities offer pickup service from the airport for an additional fee (€50-€150). This simplifies logistics significantly and is worth the cost.
Practical Travel Tips
Acclimation: Start preparing your pet for air travel weeks before. Familiarize them with carriers, elevate their stress tolerance.
Sedation: Some vets offer mild sedation for extremely anxious pets. Consult your vet about whether this is appropriate.
Documentation: Carry copies of all documentation (microchip registration, vaccination records, import permit, health certificate) in your carry-on luggage. If luggage is lost, you’ll need these immediately.
Feeding schedule: Travel day feeding is carefully planned to avoid motion sickness. Most vets recommend light feeding before and during travel.
Post-Quarantine Transition
Release and Reintegration
Upon completing the 4-week quarantine, you collect your pet. They will be stressed, confused, and eager to connect with you.
Reunion strategy:
Health Check and Registration
Upon release, schedule a vet appointment within days to ensure your pet is healthy post-quarantine and address any issues.
Register with an Irish vet for ongoing care. Ireland has excellent veterinary care; your pet’s health shouldn’t suffer from the move.
Microchip and License Registration
Update your pet’s microchip registration with your Irish address. Register any required licenses with your local county council (primarily for dogs; requirements vary).
Special Considerations
Dogs vs. Cats
Dogs face additional requirements in some contexts (rabies is more common in dogs). The same vaccination and quarantine requirements apply, but careful documentation is essential.
Cats are sometimes easier—fewer regulatory concerns—but quarantine is equally required.
Multiple Pets
Bringing multiple pets increases quarantine costs and complexity but follows the same regulatory framework. Each pet requires individual documentation, vaccination records, and quarantine space.
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles) have different or additional requirements. Contact Ireland’s Department of Agriculture early for guidance on species-specific regulations.
Some exotics may require import permits beyond standard quarantine (particularly endangered species). Confirm legality before investing in transport.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
Pets with chronic conditions (diabetes, thyroid disease, behavioral issues) can still relocate but require additional planning:
Medication continuity: Ensure Irish vets can prescribe your pet’s necessary medications. Some drugs available in the US aren’t approved in Ireland.
Specialist care: If your pet requires specialist treatment, confirm such specialists exist in your Irish location.
Behavioral issues: Quarantine is particularly challenging for anxious or reactive pets. Work with your vet on coping strategies.
Costs and Budget
Comprehensive Budget for One Pet
Microchip and rabies vaccination (US): €50-€100
Health certificate (US vet): €25-€50
Quarantine facility (4 weeks): €1,200-€2,800
Air transport (cargo): €400-€800
Facility pickup service: €100-€150
Irish veterinary check-up and registration: €100-€150
Total: €2,000-€4,000 per pet
Multiple pets increase costs proportionally. Budget conservatively and avoid surprises.
Airline and Quarantine Facility Contacts
Confirm current policies, prices, and availability directly. Costs and requirements change; this guide provides typical information but isn’t definitive for your specific situation.
Is It Worth It?
For Americans deeply attached to their pets, the answer is an emphatic yes. The financial and logistical investment is substantial, but reuniting with your pet in your new Irish home is extraordinarily meaningful.
Alternative: If your pet is elderly, seriously ill, or severely anxious about travel, you might consider rehoming rather than importing. This is a difficult decision but sometimes the most compassionate choice.
Conclusion: Your Pet Can Join You in Ireland
Importing your pet to Ireland is complex but absolutely achievable. With 4-6 months of planning, proper documentation, and patience through quarantine, you can bring your furry companion to your Irish home.
The quarantine period is the hardest part emotionally—separation from a beloved pet is challenging. But it serves the crucial purpose of protecting Ireland’s disease-free status. After quarantine, you’ll have reunited with your pet in your new home, and the effort will have been worthwhile.
Begin planning early, book your quarantine facility months ahead, and ensure all documentation is complete. Your pet’s Irish adventure awaits.
Author: jonathan
Jonathan is the publisher of Irishtopia.net, Anglotopia.net, and Londontopia.net. He's passionate about travel and learning about other cultures. He's been to Ireland several times, and uses his travel expertise for Irishtopia!
