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From another EU country
Bringing your pet to Ireland
Inside the EU it’s simple: an EU pet passport, a microchip and a rabies shot at least 21 days before travel. Dogs also need a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before arrival.
Time you needAt least 22 days if you start from scratch
Easy to get wrong on this route
- DogsTreating your dog for tapeworm outside the 24–120-hour window before you arrive in Ireland.
- A late rabies booster — the 21-day wait starts again.
- Bringing a puppy or kitten under 16 weeks — Ireland doesn’t accept pets whose rabies vaccine isn’t valid yet.
Your Ireland plan, dated to the day
Every deadline worked out for your travel date, calendar reminders and a travel-day checklist.
Build my plan — free preview$19 to unlock the PDF · 14-day money-back promiseDifficultyEasy
QuarantineNone if rules are met
Rabies blood testNot needed
PermitNo permit
Rules checked Oct 28, 2026 against official sources · Dogs & cats · Free route check for your date →
Flying from somewhere else?From the US →From the UK →
Step by step
- At least 21 days beforeMicrochip, then rabies vaccine
Microchip before the vaccine; pet at least 12 weeks old at its first rabies shot. Wait 21 days after a first vaccination — boosters given on time need no wait. - Before you travelEU pet passport
Issued by an authorised vet to EU residents, with the microchip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded. It stays valid for life as long as the vaccine is kept up to date. - 1–5 days before arrivaldogs onlyTapeworm treatment (dogs)
Given by a vet 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before you enter Ireland, recorded in the passport. Not needed when travelling directly between Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland.
Watch out
- Ireland doesn’t accept pets under 12 weeks without a rabies vaccine, or 12–16-week-olds whose vaccine isn’t valid yet.
- Up to 5 pets per person; more only for a registered competition, show or sporting event, with every pet over 6 months.
- A late booster means the 21-day wait starts again.
- Microchip after the rabies shot = the vaccine does not count. Vaccinate again and wait 21 days.
Official sources: europa.eu. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the destination's authority.
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