Border Pets
Bringing your pet to Ireland
Microchip, rabies shot at least 21 days before travel and a new animal health certificate (AHC) from an official vet for every trip — a pet passport no longer works if you live in Great Britain. Dogs also need a tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival.
- Flying into the wrong Irish airport — from outside the EU, pets may only arrive at Dublin, Cork or Shannon (or Dublin, Rosslare and Ringaskiddy ports), with advance notice.
- Travelling on a pet passport — residents of Great Britain can’t use one for the EU, even if it was issued in the EU.
- Getting the AHC too early — it’s only valid for entry for 10 days after the official vet signs it.
Every deadline worked out for your travel date, calendar reminders and a travel-day checklist.
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Step by step
- At least 21 days beforeMicrochip, then rabies vaccine
Microchip before or at the same visit as the rabies shot; pet at least 12 weeks old. Wait 21 full days after a first vaccination (no wait after an on-time booster). - Within 10 days before arrivalAnimal health certificate (AHC)
Signed by an official vet (OV). Valid for entry for 10 days from the day it’s issued, then 6 months for onward EU travel and coming home. Bring proof of the microchip date and vaccinations. - 1–5 days before arrivaldogs onlyTapeworm treatment (dogs)
Ireland requires a vet to treat your dog no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before you arrive, recorded on the AHC. - Before you travelAdvance notice to Ireland + compliance check
Pets from outside the EU need advance notice on the Irish Department of Agriculture’s portal and a compliance check on arrival — book it with the pet team at your airport or port. - On arrivalEnter through a travellers’ point of entry
Show the AHC with the tapeworm record at the travellers’ point of entry when you arrive.
Watch out
- If you live in England, Scotland or Wales you can’t use a pet passport to enter the EU — even one issued in the EU. Using one can get your pet refused entry.
- A new AHC for every trip. One AHC covers up to 5 pets; more than 5 by car only for a registered competition, show or sporting event.
- Microchip after the rabies shot = the vaccine does not count. Vaccinate again and wait 21 days.
- From outside the EU, pets may only enter Ireland through Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports, or Dublin, Rosslare or Ringaskiddy (Cork) ports.
- These rules are for travel from England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own.
Official sources: www.gov.uk · www.gov.uk · www.gov.ie. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the destination's authority.
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