Finding a Vet in Ireland

Lots of American expats are living in Ireland these days. Most are there for business, but it’s a lovely country to visit on sabbatical or to retire. Whatever your reason for moving to Ireland, we know your beloved pet will be moving, too. One of your first, and most important, tasks will be finding a vet for your furry friend. You don’t even have to wait until you get to Ireland to begin your search for a vet. You can do some preliminary work now, to find out what kinds of practices exist and create a short list of vets to meet after you arrive. You also can make a list of questions to ask when you meet.

Where can you find a vet?

• One of the best sources for information about your new homeland – about everything, not only where to find a vet – is expats who already live there. So check in with colleagues within your company who are in Ireland to ask about a referral. You can also search online to find expat forums devoted to living in Ireland.

• This article has some good tips on questions you should ask a prospective vet before choosing one, and there is also a lengthy list of vets throughout Ireland.

• Look online, specifying your soon-to-be location as part of your search. Take to Google and look at the online reviews for each office to see what others are saying.

• If you have a cat, the purrfect vet practice for you may be Just Cats in Dublin. Their entire team of vets and technicians is specifically feline-qualified. And, as they like to say, “we have always been big believers in treating each cat personality differently. We call it having cattitude.” The entire clinic is designed just for cats, from the scale of exam rooms and equipment to the comfort of the waiting room – which is, of course, dog-free.

• On the other hand, if your four-legged friend is a dog, Dogs First will be helpful in your search. Here you'll find lists of "natural" and "holistic" veterinarians in Ireland.

• The University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital offers “specialty services, dedicated internationally recognized staff and modern equipment, serving the needs of the veterinary profession and the animal owning public.” Their services even include a physical therapy rehab clinic and a blood donor clinic (in case your dog or cat wants to become a blood donor).

But, first, you have to get to Ireland.

Starting the search for a veterinarian is just one of a million things you’ll need to do in preparation for relocating to Ireland. OK, not a million, exactly, but it will sure feel like that. The easiest way to relieve a lot of stress and gain complete peace of mind where your pet’s move is concerned, is to hire a professional pet transport company like Starwood to handle the details for you. We can take care of everything, from the flight to the final exam to check in at the airport and customs clearance. We even offer a complete door-to-door service.

And while we’re working on organizing your pet’s travel, you can focus on getting them prepared for their big adventure.