Bringing pets to Ireland is not impossible, but you and your pet will have to jump several hoops. The legal kind, so being very nimble won’t help. If you plan to bring your pet or companion animal to Ireland, think carefully. Unless you are covered by the European Pet Passport scheme or resident in Great Britain, you will practically not be allowed to bring a cat or dog into the country anyway. You will have to undergo six months of quarantine first. And as for your animal enjoying the trip …
The law in summary
Ireland has been fortunate to keep the rage out of the country, helped by the geographic blessings of an island and a rigorous control of imports from potential carriers. Meaning that pets were not allowed in unless a six-month quarantine was observed. Animals from Great Britain (also rabies free) were always excepted.
This basic law has not changed: any cat and dog entering Ireland will still have to endure six months of incarceration in a state approved facility. Unless they are the proud owners of a pet passport.
Pet passports: the exception
However, a few years ago, the rules were relaxed for some pets: a “special pet passport” was introduced. Basically, the pet has to be chipped, vaccinated and then (if verified and declared healthy) can enter the country after six months.
While this has made traveling with pets easier, the owner still has to jump through a host of hoops, including approved ports of entry, a visit to an approved vet, and paying an exorbitant fee for transportation per courier approved. And there are a few more problems.
Qualifying European states are all EU member states (plus most of its overseas territories), Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican. Pets abroad may have a pet passport if they come from (among others) Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Russian Federation or the United States of America. For a complete list, visit the official website.
Pet problem number 1: the trip to Ireland
Ask around and you will be surprised how few airlines are actually willing to transport pets. And if you find one, it is very likely that it has a price that would cause several human passengers to fly.
It is much easier to take your pet with you on a ferry, either in a car or in kennels in the hold. The latter received bad press after inexplicable disappearances of some dogs. And no ferry company will allow a pet in passenger areas (except guide dogs).
Pet Problem # 2 – Accommodation in Ireland
While many establishments will accept guests with pets (sometimes at a surcharge), most will not. Therefore, you will have to plan ahead and reserve suitable accommodation. Be sure to point out what kind of pet you will bring – if “Fluffy” turns out to be an adult Rottweiler, many illnesses could get a little nervous.
Irish dog laws
In Ireland you will see dogs of all pedigrees roaming free, seemingly content to lead happy and carefree lives. Only a minority are lost, most are owned by someone. And here we have a case where “when in Ireland I do what the Irish do” should definitely not be considered sensible.
Dog laws also apply to visitors, with the sole exception of the dog license (up to 30 days of stay, after the 31st you will need to buy a dog license at the post office). In summary, these rules must be obeyed:
- Dogs should always be kept on a leash and under control.
- Never allow a dog to run in fields where it could have won; farmers have the right and will shoot dogs uncontrollably without warning.
- The following breeds (and crossbreeds with strains) are considered dangerous and should use a muzzle: American Pit Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese Akita , Japanese Tosa and Bandog.
- Dogs must wear a collar with an identification tag at all times: otherwise they could be quickly picked up and destroyed as lost (the implanted chip may not be found). Please note that since 2016 all dogs in Ireland must be microchipped.
- Ireland’s rubbish laws are quite strict when it comes to dog droppings – bring a ‘poop scoop’ or similar material.
Think before you go: Will your pet enjoy the holidays?
To be brutally honest: probably not, unless traveling in a caravan or staying in accommodation, a pet will be stressed to the max by the rapidly changing environment and lack of security.
Note to owners of service animals (guide dogs)
All of the above regulations also apply to service animals (guide dogs), don’t assume you can bring them safely. Although the rules are sometimes lax (most malls are off-limits to dogs, but they allow guide dogs, Alsatian guide dogs don’t have to wear muzzles), import rules generally aren’t. Also note that Irish law currently only allows general guide dog access for the visually impaired, other assistance dogs are not properly regulated, much less non-canines.
