Official Import Rules
- Ireland follows EU pet regulations with one critical addition: dogs need Echinococcus tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before entry unless arriving directly from Finland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland.
- Dogs from EU states need a valid EU Pet Passport with ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination.
Third-country requirements
- Non-EU dogs need a health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination.
- Non-listed countries also need a FAVN titer test with 3-month wait.
Approved entry points
- All pets must enter through Cork, Dublin, Shannon airports, Dublin Port, Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, or Rosslare Europort.
Non-commercial movement
- For a move to be considered non-commercial, the pet owner or a designated person must travel on the same flight as the pet.
- If the owner cannot travel on that same flight, a designated person must accompany the pet, and the owner must then arrive within 5 days of the pet's arrival.
- If this condition is not met, the move is treated as a commercial pet movement.
Inspection hours
- DAFM operates at Dublin Airport from 7: 00am to 9:00pm (21:00), Monday to Sunday.
Framework change date
- The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) transitions to the new Animal Health Law framework on 22 April 2026.
Tapeworm treatment
- According to the current DAFM Pet Travel Portal, dogs entering Ireland from any country other than Finland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland must be treated for Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm.
- The exemption applies to Northern Ireland specifically — not to Great Britain or 'the UK' as a whole.
- Since Brexit, Great Britain is a third country for pet travel purposes and dogs travelling from Great Britain to Ireland are still required to have tapeworm treatment.
Regulatory transition
- The overall transition of pet travel rules from the legacy Regulation 576/2013 to the new framework is governed by EU Regulation 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, both applying from 22 April 2026.
- EU Implementing Regulation 2026/636 is a separate instrument that specifically establishes the lists of third countries or territories qualifying for non-commercial pet movements — it does not govern the overall regulatory transition framework.
GB resident document requirements
- Great Britain is treated as a non-EU (third) country for pet travel purposes.
- Non-EU residents, including owners based in Great Britain, need a valid EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) rather than an EU Pet Passport, since pet passports are intended for EU residents.
- The official Irish pet travel authority page does not confirm a specific transition date (such as 22 April 2026) on which EU pet passports held by Great Britain residents become invalid.
- Check the official DAFM Pet Travel Portal directly for the latest confirmed timing of any regulatory changes before travelling.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Tapeworm treatment
A vet must administer and record the dog-only Echinococcus treatment in the required pre-arrival window.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
In addition to the breeds already listed, Bull Mastiff and Japanese Tosa (and their crosses) are also officially designated restricted breeds under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, and must be muzzled and kept on a strong lead no longer than 2 metres by a handler aged 16 or over when in public. Ireland has an ongoing, currently active ban on importing, breeding, selling and rehoming XL Bully-type dogs, which took effect on 1 October 2024. Since 1 February 2025, it is also illegal to own an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption issued by the local authority; new imports of the breed are not permitted under this ban.
Muzzle & leash laws
Restricted-breed dogs must be muzzled and led in all public places.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Confirm airline pet acceptance, cabin or cargo availability, carrier rules, aircraft limits, and destination entry mode before booking.
Tapeworm treatment
Echinococcus treatment 24–120 hours before arrival is required for dogs entering Ireland, except when arriving directly from Finland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland.
Cost Breakdown
- A mandatory compliance check fee of €50 per pet applies at the port or airport of entry when a pet arrives from most non-EU countries.
- This fee is payable by card only — cash is not accepted.
- Pets arriving from Great Britain are exempt from this fee.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs also receive free compliance checks.
Quarantine Information
None for compliant dogs. Non-compliant animals may be quarantined or returned at the owner's expense. In extreme cases, euthanasia is possible.
City & Housing Notes
Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick are dog-friendly cities. Ireland has a strong animal welfare culture. Most rental properties accept dogs. The Irish SPCA and Dogs Protection provide local resources.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Excellent veterinary care across Ireland. The Veterinary Council of Ireland maintains a register of practices. 24-hour emergency clinics available in Dublin, Cork, and other cities. Common parasites: fleas (year-round) and intestinal worms.
Leaving Ireland With Your Dog
Leaving Ireland for EU countries requires the EU Pet Passport. Non-EU destinations need an Animal Health Certificate from a DAFM-authorized vet.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need tapeworm treatment for Ireland?
Yes, unless the dog is arriving directly from Finland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland. A vet must administer and record Echinococcus tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival.
Can my dog fly in the cabin to Ireland?
From EU countries: yes, most airlines allow cabin pets. From outside the EU (e.g., US): dogs must arrive as cargo on approved routes, similar to the UK.
Do I need advance notice?
Yes. If entering Ireland from outside the EU, you must notify DAFM at least 24 hours before arrival via the Advance Notice Portal.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.