Dreaming to travel to Ireland with your dog to enjoy its lush landscapes, charming villages, and historic castles? You are not alone!
Many pet owners wonder if travelling to Ireland with a dog is possible, and the answer is a resounding yes. However, planning a pet-friendly trip to the Emerald Isle requires some preparation.
In this article, Global Paws will guide you through the essentials of bringing your furry friend to Ireland, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable journey for you and your beloved pet. Take a peek!
Can You Travel to Ireland with a Dog?
Yes, you can! Ireland is a pet-friendly country, but some rules are in place to ensure your furry friend’s journey is safe and comfortable when entering. Why all these rules?
Ireland has strict rules about pets entering the country from anywhere around the globe.
This ensures that pets do not bring in diseases (like rabies) and are safe when travelling.
Also, these rules are for people who already have pets and want to bring them into Ireland. They are not for people buying, selling, or sending pets alone. If you travel with a pet, you must follow these rules!
Here is what you need to know:
Where Your Pet Comes from Matters
The rules depend on where your pet is travelling from, not where it was born.
For example:
If your pet is from Ireland but is travelling to Hong Kong and returning to Ireland, you must follow the rules for travelling back from Hong Kong (even though it is Irish).
Steps to Bring Your Pet to Ireland
Step 1
Before anything else, microchip your pet. This tiny chip under their skin helps identify them if they get lost. Make sure it works with the standard used in Ireland.
The microchip must be readable by a scanner compatible with ISO standard 11785. If officials cannot read the chip when you arrive in Ireland, your pet could face quarantine or even be denied entry.
Consider bringing your microchip scanner if the chip is not ISO standard-compliant to avoid this issue.
Step 2
Your pet needs a rabies shot after getting the microchip. They need to be at least 12 weeks old for this shot. The microchip must be implanted by a veterinarian authorised by your country's government authorities.
After the vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travelling to Ireland (this only applies to the first vaccination, not booster shots).
Step 3
You will need a special pet passport that proves your pet is vaccinated against rabies. A vet must sign this passport. Without it, your pet would not be allowed into Ireland.
Ireland accepts pet passports from:
EU countries (like France, Germany, etc.).
Northern Ireland.
Some other European countries (like Norway, Switzerland, Monaco, etc.).
An approved country must issue a valid pet passport, and your pet must be confirmed to have a current rabies vaccination that meets all regulatory requirements.
What If You Are in a Non-EU Country?
Continue the extra steps below if your pet is from a country outside the EU (except for unique countries like Norway, Switzerland, etc.). Vets in those non-EU countries cannot fill out the rabies section of the pet passport.
If they do, the passport becomes invalid, and you cannot use it for travel. So, what are you going to do about that? Your pets need an EU Health Certificate instead.
EU Health Certificate is another document that proves your pet is healthy and vaccinated. To use it, you need to follow these checkpoints, such as:
Have it filled out by your local vet.
Have it signed and endorsed by a government vet (cn Official State Veterinarian*) in your country, and do so within 120 hours before your pet enters the EU.
Your pet must receive treatment for Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm parasite, as required by EU regulations.
Once your pet enters the EU (or Ireland), a vet in that country needs to check and approve the certificate.
*Official State Veterinarians are special vets who work for the government, not a private clinic. They make sure your pet meets all the legal travel requirements.
Step 4:
If you are bringing a dog, it must be treated for tapeworms (for dogs only). The tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet between 1 and 5 days before your arrival in Ireland. Also, this treatment must be included in the health certificate, and it cannot be done within 10 days of arrival, it must be completed within 120 hours (5 days) before entry.
What If You Are Travelling From Outside the EU?
The rules are stricter if you come from a country outside the European Union (EU), like Hong Kong.
You will have to follow the same steps as before, plus some of these rules:
Step 6
Last but not least, you must let the airport know at least 24 hours before you arrive. This is like giving them a heads-up so they are ready to check your pet when you arrive.
Arriving in Ireland
Once you arrive in Ireland, your pet must go through a check to ensure all the rules are followed. You can do this by filling out the Advance Notice Portal. But, don’t worry, Global Paws will take care of it by sending an email to the right authorities for you.
Remember, it is best to do this a few days before your trip to ensure everything is sorted. Call us to arrange everything for you today!
What If You Do Not Follow the Rules?
If you do not follow these “travel to Ireland with dog” steps, your pet might not be allowed into Ireland. They could be sent back or put in quarantine until everything is fixed, and you will have to pay for it.
Travelling to Ireland with a dog is entirely possible and can be an enriching experience. You and your furry friend can explore Ireland’s stunning landscapes and pet-friendly attractions with proper preparation.
For a seamless travel experience, trust Global Paws. With over 20 years of expertise in pet travel and relocation, we ensure your pet’s comfort and safety every step of the way. From paperwork to personalised travel plans, we are here to make your journey stress-free and enjoyable.
Contact Global Paws and start planning your pet-friendly Irish adventure today!
About Global Paws:
Global Paws is a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation. We know your pets are part of your family, and we care for them like they are part of ours. As proud members of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) and certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), we’re committed to making sure they travel safely and comfortably.
What sets us apart is the extra care we provide. Every pet is treated like family, and we make sure their journey is safe and stress-free, no matter where they are headed.
We believe every pet deserves a first-class experience, and we are here to make sure they are comfortable from start to finish. Our experience, backed by IPATA and IATA, gives you peace of mind knowing your pet’s journey is in safe, loving hands.
Then, are you ready to give VIP treatment for your furry friend? Visit our website to book your pet’s dream vacation today!
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