Pet Shipping - Pet Import Requirements in Ireland

Pet Import Requirements in Ireland

All animals relocating to Ireland are sent through Belfast under the United Kingdom's Pets Passport Scheme and transported across the border into the country. This is due to the fact that animals flying directly into Dublin (the only approved airport for entry into Ireland) are exposed to a minimum of 3 days quarantine until all paperwork is checked and all vet checks completed.

Birds: Licence is nessesary for birds imported from any country. The licence must be issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. For parrot-like birds coming from any country a licence is required issued by the Health Department and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Cats and dogs are subject to specific regulations (EC) No. 998/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Identification is by means of microchip only. Pets must be supplemented with the pet owner (person that is responsible for the pet). The system does not apply where there is a change of ownership of the pet. There are restrictions for the number of pets imported: not more than 5 animals per person allowed (if coming from a third country). Pets under 3 months old are not eligible to be transported under the system. It takes at least 7 months from vaccination date before the pet can travel into Ireland. Pets must be imported as cargo. For more information contact the Irish Department of Agriculture and Food - www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets.