On the surface, it can seem like a daunting challenge to bring your pet into a new country. However, there are very clear rules in place at the Department of Agriculture in Ireland. If you plan well enough, this will be something you can do without any hitches, once your pet is healthy.
Eligibility of your pet to travel to Ireland
There are different rules in place, depending on what type of pet you are bringing into Ireland and where you are coming from. Pets coming to Ireland from another EU country should be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, hold an EU pet passport stamped by a vet, and if you're bringing your dog into Ireland, treated for tapeworm. If you're coming to Ireland from a non-EU country, there are additional requirements that must be met. Your pet must hold an EU Health Certificate signed and stamped by an official government vet in the country you're travelling from, as well as undergo a blood test. You also have to give advance notice to the Irish port or airport authorities, and your pet must undergo a compliance check on arrival into Ireland.
Dogs, cats and ferretsÂ
The EU system of Passports for Pets allows cats, dogs and ferrets to travel between EU member states and some other countries that are part of the scheme. Your pet must arrive in Ireland with you, or within five days before or after you travel, if it is accompanied by a person authorised by you. Your pet must have an EU pet passport stamped by a vet to show that the rabies vaccination has been given. You are only able to travel with up to five pets at any given time.Ìý
If you are coming from an EU country or from the Vatican, Switzerland, San Marino, Norway, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Gibraltar or Andorra, then these pets need to be microchipped, have valid rabies vaccinations, have a pet passport or vet certificate, and for dogs, a tapeworm treatment (unless coming from the UK, Norway, Malta or Finland). Tapeworm treatment for dogs must be given by a vet between 1 and 5 days before you arrive in Ireland, and recorded in the pet passport.
If these conditions are not met upon arrival, your pet may have to be quarantined. There will be an additional compliance process for those bringing pets into Ireland for other countries not on the above list.Ìý
Countries not on  from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will also need to comply with a rabies blood test. Unless you have an assistance dog, you will need to bring your pets through Dublin Airport.Ìý
Birds
If you are from an EU country or one of the other qualifying countries as stated above, you can bring in a bird if you have an owner declaration document and have completed and emailed the to livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie at least 24 hours before arriving in Ireland.Ìý
For those not coming from an EU nation, you can only bring in five birds, and you need to have a veterinary health certificate.
If you are trying to bring in a bird from a country not on  from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, it is going to be a complicated process. There will be certain checks that need to be carried out upon your arrival, which you can read about on the Irish Government's .
Rodents and rabbits
For EU and associated states, you simply need to accompany the pet yourself or by using an agent and have already submitted an advance notice at least 24 hours before the pet arrives. There are only certain nations outside of the EU from which you can bring rodents and rabbits into Ireland.Ìý
A license is needed at least two months before arriving. This license details all of the various checks and requirements you need to meet in order to transport your pet into the country.
How pet-friendly is Ireland?
Ireland is slowly but surely becoming more and more pet-friendly, with many hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and self-catering accommodations across the country warmly welcoming pets. Most places have specific pet policies in place, so it's always advisable to check first.
While not all establishments are pet-friendly, several have outdoor seating areas where you can relax with your furry friend, weather permitting of course. There has also been a rise in the number of doggy day-care facilities for busy professionals, giving you peace of mind while you head to the office every day. Another important thing to note is that dogs or pets, other than assistance dogs, are generally not permitted on beaches during the summer season, from May to September, between the hours of 11 am to 7pm.
How to get pet care and pet food in Ireland
You can buy pet food easily in Ireland, whether it is online or through retail stores. There are many dedicated pet stores where you have a great choice of food.Ìý
In terms of pet care, you will have access to veterinary clinics across the country. Many vets will do outcalls in case you cannot bring your pet to the clinic. A simple consultation for your pet will cost about €60.
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