Ireland requires ISO microchip, rabies vaccination with a 21-day waiting period, and mandatory tapeworm treatment for dogs 24-120 hours before arrival. Pets from non-EU countries must undergo a compliance check on arrival. Advance notice must be submitted via the DAFM online portal at least 24 hours before arrival. No quarantine is required for compliant pets.
Companies Listed
5
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
ISO 11785 compatible microchip required
Rabies vaccination required (21-day waiting period from EU/listed countries)
Tapeworm treatment for dogs 24-120 hours before arrival (administered by vet)
Advance notice via DAFM online portal at least 24 hours before arrival
Compliance check on arrival for pets from non-EU countries
Rabies titer test required for pets from unlisted countries (30-day wait after vaccination)
EU pet passport or veterinary certificate required
Governed by Pet Travel (Cats, Dogs and Ferrets) Regulations 2020 and EU Regulation 576/2013
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Ireland vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
You can bring up to five pet birds into Ireland from a non-EU country under EU non-commercial rules. The bird must meet one avian influenza condition (30-day pre-export isolation, H5 vaccination plus booster, a negative H5N1 test after 10 days of isolation, or 30 days of post-import quarantine), travel on an official health certificate, and be individually identified.
Maximum of five pet birds per person in one consignment, with an owner declaration that they are non-commercial
Meet one EU avian influenza option: 30-day pre-export isolation; OR H5 vaccination plus at least one revaccination within 6 months and not later than 60 days before dispatch; OR a negative H5N1 antigen/genome test on a sample taken not earlier than day 3 of at least 10 days' pre-export isolation; OR 30 days' post-import quarantine on approved premises
Clinical examination and an official pet bird health certificate signed by a government vet, with the owner declaration
Individual permanent identification (leg ring or microchip with an alphanumeric code); birds must come from a WOAH (OIE) member country
Notify DAFM in advance; check with the National Parks & Wildlife Service whether a CITES licence is needed for the species
Ireland has no captive-bird quarantine facility, so larger or commercial consignments must enter via another EU member state. Pet birds from non-EU countries must also be kept in quarantine at home for at least 30 days after entry before being allowed into a show or exhibition. The avian-influenza options were corrected to match EU Commission Decision 2007/25/EC. Apply for any CITES permit well in advance.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Ireland from a non-EU country under EU third-country rules using an endorsed equine (EQUI-X type) health certificate. A negative equine infectious anaemia (EIA/Coggins) test is required, stallions generally need equine viral arteritis testing, and the horse must meet EU residency conditions. Entry is via an EU border control post with a CHED on TRACES.
EU equine (EQUI-X) model health certificate endorsed by the competent authority of the exporting country for domestic equidae not for slaughter
Negative equine infectious anaemia (EIA/Coggins) test within the window specified on the certificate
Stallions and entire males: equine viral arteritis (EVA) testing as required by the certificate before export
Meet the EU pre-export residency and disease-freedom conditions set out in the certificate (residency in the exporting country and a period free of contact with listed diseases)
Pre-notification via a Common Health Entry Document (CHED) on TRACES-NT and entry through an approved EU border control post
Ireland is free of EIA, EVA and contagious equine metritis, so these diseases are scrutinised closely; additional tests (e.g. glanders, dourine) may be required depending on origin. Exact EIA/EVA test windows and residency days are set on the EU model certificate and should be confirmed for the route. Healthy, fully-documented horses are not routinely quarantined.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Pet reptiles can be brought into Ireland, but most popular species are CITES-listed under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and need permits. You typically require a CITES export permit from the origin country plus an EU import permit from the National Parks & Wildlife Service, and Annex A species need additional documentation before they can be kept.
Confirm the species' CITES/EU Annex listing before travel
CITES export permit from the country of origin for listed species
EU import permit issued by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Irish CITES management authority
For Annex A specimens, additional permits and proof of legal acquisition; live pets do not qualify as exempt 'personal effects'
Enter via a designated CITES point of entry and present documentation to customs
Non-CITES reptiles face fewer hurdles but still need correct documentation. There is no rabies/quarantine regime for reptiles, but undocumented CITES specimens are seized. The 'maximum of five reptiles' figure was removed as it is a pet-bird non-commercial limit, not a CITES reptile rule. Contact NPWS to confirm species-specific requirements.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Ireland?
A full-service move to Ireland typically costs $2,170–$5,130 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, import permit, customs clearance. Typical process time: 5–7 days.
