Ireland is classified as a “rabies-controlled” country under EU law, meaning pets entering from the United States must meet several health and documentation requirements. Thankfully, Ireland allows pets to arrive without quarantine if everything is done correctly.

✅ Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip before any rabies vaccine is administered. This microchip will be scanned upon arrival.

💉 Rabies Vaccination

• Must be given after the microchip is implanted.
• Must be at least 21 days old at the time of travel.
• Must be valid at the time of travel (not expired).
• Only inactivated rabies vaccines are accepted.

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine and cannot travel until 21 days after that first valid shot.

NEW: Rabies Certificate Requirement for Direct Entry into Dublin

Ireland has added a new, unique requirement for pets traveling directly into Dublin.

In addition to an original blue ink signature from the administering veterinarian, the rabies certificate must include one of the following:

1. Original rabies vaccine vial sticker, affixed to the certificate and countersigned by the veterinarian, or
2. Original clinic stamp from the veterinary practice

⚠️ Important Note:
Banfield Pet Hospitals do NOT have clinic stamps, which can make meeting this requirement more challenging when using their facilities. Pet parents working with Banfield should plan accordingly and confirm documentation options well in advance.

Other Vaccinations

Ireland does not require pets to have any vaccinations other than rabies. However, we recommend that you ask your new Irish veterinarian about locally-specific immunizations or preventative treatments your pet should get.

It is recommended that cats and dogs are vaccinated for the following. Do note that if your pet will be boarding, these vaccinations will be required.

• Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
• Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia

Blood Tests

Ireland does not require any additional blood tests for cats, dogs, or ferrets unless your pet is traveling from an "unlisted" country.

If your pet is traveling from an "unlisted" country, then a rabies titer blood test will be required. The rabies titer test must be completed at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before traveling to the EU. This test must be completed by an authorized (USDA-Accredited) vet and the sample must be sent to an EU approved laboratory.

Tapeworm Treatment

Unlike most EU countries, Ireland does require dogs to be treated for tapeworms prior to entering the country. Your dog must be treated by a USDA-accredited vet between 1-5 days before their arrival in Ireland, using a product labeled effective against tapeworms (Echinococcus multilocaris). The preferred product is praziquantel. This can be done either before or after your dog’s health certificate is endorsed by the USDA, but it must be reported on the health certificate.

📄 EU Health Certificate

U.S. pets must travel with an EU-compliant health certificate, also known as an Annex IV form.

The requirements outlined below apply to pets entering Ireland within 5 days before or after your own arrival date, as long as you have fewer than 5 pets total. This is the case for most families. If you and your pet(s) will be traveling on the same flight or if you will be traveling separately but within the 5-day window noted, the appropriate health certificates can be found on the USDA website.

If you will be traveling with more than 5 pets, or if your pet(s) will arrive in Ireland outside the 5-day window noted above, then you must use a “commercial” health certificate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re making the arrangements yourself or our Starwood Pet Travel team is handling the details for you. The commercial health certificate can only be completed within 48 hours prior to your pet's departure.

The health certificate must be filled out and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed (counter-signed and stamped or embossed) by the USDA APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer in your state. Belgium will allow the accredited vet to complete/sign the health certificate electronically, but the USDA must use a real-ink signature and emboss the paperwork. This document must be completed within 10 days prior to your pet’s arrival in Ireland.

Import Permit

Ireland does not require a separate import permit for pets.

🧳 Arrival in Ireland

• Pets must arrive through an approved Travellers’ Point of Entry, such as Dublin (DUB), Shannon (SNN), or Cork (ORK).
• Upon arrival, your pet will be scanned for a microchip and documents will be reviewed.
• You must give advance notice to the Irish Department of Agriculture at least 24 hours before arrival using their official pre-notification form (available online).

Our Ireland pet shipping services include:

• Door-to-door transport
• Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to Ireland (outlined above)
• USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
• Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identificationandemergency notification instructions
• Customs clearance and delivery to your home
• Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in major Ireland cities as well as their surrounding areas
• Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to Ireland.

Most international pet relocations from Ireland involve dogs and cats, which are accepted by the majority of airlines and destination countries.

• However, certain countries or airlines may restrict:
• Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds
• Hybrid breeds or wolf crosses
• Certain large or powerful breeds depending on import laws
• Exotic animals or non-domestic species

Each destination has its own rules regarding which animals are permitted to enter. Starwood Pet Travel reviews these regulations in advance and confirms that your pet meets all eligibility requirements before travel arrangements are made.

Pet exports from Ireland are regulated by both Irish authorities and the destination country’s import regulations.

Typical documentation may include:

• ISO-compliant microchip identification
• Valid rabies vaccination records
• Official veterinary health certificates
• Government-issued export certificates
• Import permits (for certain destinations)

Depending on the country your pet is traveling to, documents may also require government endorsement or certification prior to departure.
Because international pet travel regulations frequently change, working with a professional relocation service ensures your paperwork is prepared correctly and submitted on time.

Shipping a pet internationally involves several coordinated steps to ensure compliance with airline and government regulations.

The process typically includes:

• Travel planning and consultation to determine the safest travel route
• Veterinary preparation, including vaccinations and health checks
• Documentation preparation, including export and import certificates
• Airline booking on a pet-approved route
• IATA-approved travel kennel preparation with identification labels
• Airport handling and customs coordination
• Final delivery or pickup at destination

Starwood Pet Travel manages these logistics from start to finish, keeping pet parents informed throughout the journey.

Do Layovers Speed Up Pet Customs in Ireland?
Overview of pet customs and check-in process 

How to Transport Your Dog or Cat to Ireland
Everything you need to know about pet travel to Ireland 

Some countries require pets arriving from Ireland to complete a quarantine period before they can be released to their owners.

Quarantine rules depend entirely on the destination country. For example:

• Australia and New Zealand require government quarantine stays.
• Singapore and certain Asian countries may require quarantine depending on documentation.
• The United States and much of Europe typically do not require quarantine when documentation requirements are met.
  

Our relocation specialists review destination regulations and help ensure your pet meets all requirements to minimize or avoid quarantine whenever possible.

Before international travel, pets must undergo specific veterinary health procedures.

These may include:

• Microchip verification
• Rabies vaccination validation
• Additional vaccines depending on destination
• Blood tests or parasite treatments
• Official veterinary health certificates issued within required timeframes
  

Timing is critical. Some documents must be issued within days of travel, while others must be completed months in advance depending on the destination country.
Starwood works closely with veterinarians to ensure every requirement is completed properly and on schedule.

Pet Travel vs. Human Travel to Ireland
Key differences and important details for smooth travel for you and your pet 

Relocating a pet internationally can quickly become overwhelming without expert guidance. Starwood Pet Travel simplifies the process by managing every detail of your pet’s journey.

Our services from Ireland include:

• Door-to-door international pet relocation
• Travel consultations and flight booking
• Airline-approved flight kennels with identification labeling
• Veterinary documentation guidance and preparation
• Government paperwork coordination
• Customs clearance assistance
• Airport handling and delivery coordination
• Real-time updates throughout your pet’s journey
  

Whether your pet is moving to the United States, Australia, Europe, or elsewhere, our experienced team ensures your pet travels safely and arrives ready to begin their next adventure with you.