Relocating to Ireland with your pet
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 the animal you are bringing into Ireland.
Dogs, cats and ferrets
These all need original paperwork, be accompanied by a human and arrive within five days of your arrival into Ireland. You are only able to travel with up to five pets at any given time.
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 have tapeworm treatment (unless coming from the UK, Norway, Malta or Finland).
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.
Countries now on the list 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.
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 Advance Notice of Import form to livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie at least 24 hours before arriving in Ireland.
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 the list from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, it is going to be more of a complicated process. There will be certain checks needed to be carried out upon your arrival.
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 advanced notice from 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.
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. This includes submitting an advanced notice form by email.
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.
In terms of pet care, you will have access to veterinary clinics across the country. Many vets will do outcalls in the case that you cannot bring your pet to the clinic. A simple consultation for your pet will cost about EUR50.
