Taking a dog to Ireland requires planning, documentation, and an understanding of pet travel regulations. Whether you're taking your dog on holiday or moving permanently, compliance with current laws is crucial.
This detailed guide outlines everything you need to know to take your dog to Ireland from the UK, including requirements, transport options, costs, and tips.
Taking Pets to Ireland from the UK: Rules
Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. However, special arrangements exist between Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Ireland, which is part of the EU.
Northern Ireland follows separate rules. From June 4, 2025, dogs traveling from GB to Northern Ireland require only a PTD (free, lifetime-valid) and a microchip (ISO 11784/11785). No rabies vaccination or AHC is needed for non-commercial travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Dogs Entering Ireland from the UK?
No, if you follow the correct procedures and your dog meets entry requirements, there is no quarantine required when travelling from Great Britain to Ireland.
Looking for a pet moving service to Ireland from the UK? Rely on JCS Pet Travel!
Taking a Dog to Ireland from the UK: Key Requirements
To take your dog to Ireland legally, the following must be in place:
1. Microchipping
All dogs must be microchipped before or at the time of receiving any rabies vaccinations. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant, and readable by standard scanners.
2. Rabies Vaccination
Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping. This vaccination must be:
- Administered at least 21 days before travel
- Done by a licensed veterinarian
- Valid on the day of travel
If your pet has a current rabies certificate and booster shots are up-to-date, you do not need to repeat the 21-day wait.
3. Traveller’s Point of Entry (TPE)
Dogs can only enter the Republic of Ireland through one of the approved Traveller’s Points of Entry (TPE):
- Cork Airport
- Dublin Airport
- Dublin Port
- Port of Cork (Ringaskiddy)
- Rosslare Port
- Shannon Airport
Most travelers bring their dogs by ferry from Holyhead, Fishguard, or Pembroke to Dublin or Rosslare. Before booking, check the ferry company's pet policy. Some may require you to reserve a kennel, book a pet-friendly cabin, or keep your dog in the car during the trip.
Also, schedule your Animal Health Certificate and tapeworm treatment appointments with us, or another Official Veterinarian in advance, to make sure everything is done within the correct timeframe for travel.
Owners must email DAFM (e.g., livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie) at least 24 hours in advance to schedule checks at the TPE.
3. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
The AHC is valid for 10 days from issuance for departure from the UK and, once in the EU, allows travel within the EU (including Ireland) for 4 months or reentry into the GB. The AHC can be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of travel, provided the rabies vaccination was administered at least 21 days prior.
Read more about: Animal Health Certificate
4. Tapeworm Treatment (for dogs only)
Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis) is mandatory for dogs entering the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain, administered by a vet 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival, unless traveling directly from Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway.
The treatment must be recorded in the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU pet passport. This applies to all dogs entering Ireland to prevent tapeworm spread, per EU Regulation 576/2013.
Transporting a Dog from the UK to Ireland
There are multiple pet travel options to Ireland from the UK. Choose the one that best suits your dog's needs and your travel preferences.
1. By Ferry
Many choose the ferry route for its affordability and pet-friendliness.
Pet Ferry Travel Options:
- Irish Ferries (Holyhead – Dublin)
- Stena Line (Fishguard – Rosslare, Holyhead – Dublin, Cairnryan – Belfast)
- P&O Ferries (Liverpool – Dublin)
Pet Accommodation Options on Ferries:
- Onboard kennels
- Staying in the vehicle (only if permitted and safe)
- Pet-friendly cabins (limited availability)
Costs: Range from £20–£50 per pet, depending on the operator.
2. By Plane
Flying with a dog to Ireland is possible via cargo or pet travel services. Few airlines allow pets in the cabin unless they're emotional support or assistance dogs.
Air Travel Considerations:
- IATA-compliant crate required
- Pets must travel in the hold
- Use DEFRA-approved pet shipping agents
Estimated Cost: £500–£1000+, depending on breed, airline, and services.
3. Pet Transport Companies
Professional pet travel services offer door-to-door pet transport with all documentation handled. This is ideal for nervous dogs or busy owners.
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- Collection and drop-off
- Vet checks and document preparation
- Real-time tracking and updates
Cost: Varies by distance and service type; expect £300–£800+.
Documentation Checklist
Before you travel, confirm that the following documents are ready:
- Microchip certificate
- Rabies vaccination record
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- Tapeworm treatment proof
- Travel booking confirmation
Costs of Taking a Dog to Ireland from the UK
The cost of taking a dog to Ireland from the UK can vary depending on the mode of transport and services used. Microchipping typically costs between £20 and £40, while the rabies vaccination ranges from £30 to £60. An Animal Health Certificate, which is required for travel, may cost between £100 and £250.
If traveling by ferry, expect to pay a pet fee of around £20 to £50. For air travel as cargo, costs can range from £500 to over £1,000.
Hiring a pet shipping service may add an additional £300 to £800 or more. A travel crate that meets IATA standards usually costs between £60 and £150.
Total costs for the Republic of Ireland are £150–£450 per trip (AHC: £100–£300, tapeworm: £20–£50, ferry: £20–£50), with air travel potentially lower for small dogs. Northern Ireland costs are £20–£80 for non-commercial travel by ferry (microchip, no AHC).
Tips for Taking a Dog to Ireland from the UK
- Visit the vet well in advance to plan vaccinations and get your AHC
- Book ferry/airline pet slots early, especially during holidays
- Familiarise your dog with the travel crate to reduce stress
- Pack essentials: water, food, leash, poop bags, comfort toys
- Check weather conditions before travel for safety
- Double-check entry rules before your departure in case of updates
Taking Puppies to Ireland from the UK
Make sure your puppy is ready for the adventure! To enter Ireland, it must:
- Be microchipped
- Have a valid rabies vaccination
- Be at least 15 weeks old
- Travel with an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a vet
The AHC must be issued within 10 days before your arrival in Ireland. Prepare ahead for a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your pup!
Travelling with Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs can travel in cabins on most ferries (e.g., Irish Ferries, Stena Line) and some flights (e.g., Aer Lingus, subject to approval), but not all airlines allow in-cabin travel, and documentation (AHC, rabies) is still required.
Taking your Dog or Cat to Ireland from the UK? We Can Help!
Take your cat or dog to Ireland from the UK? Trust JCS Pet Travel to handle every step of the journey with care and precision. With over 20 years of experience in international pet transport, we specialise in making the process easy and stress-free for both pets and their owners.
From arranging travel crates and vet appointments to managing all the required paperwork and ensuring safe delivery at your destination, we take care of it all. Whether you’re relocating or travelling temporarily, your pet’s comfort, safety, and well-being are our top priorities.
Returning to the UK with Dog from the Ireland
For returns from the Republic of Ireland, dogs need an AHC, GB Pet Health Certificate, or a valid EU/NI-issued pet passport with a current rabies vaccination, plus tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival. For returns from Northern Ireland, only a microchip is required, with no AHC, passport, or tapeworm treatment.
Conclusion
Taking your dog to Ireland from the UK is straightforward when all steps are followed diligently. From microchipping and vaccinations to selecting the right travel method, preparation is key to a safe and stress-free journey for both you and your pet.
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