Bringing your pet to Ireland or getting a new one — microchipping rules, vet registration, importing pets, and what you need to know as a pet owner.
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Ireland has strict biosecurity rules around importing animals, particularly dogs and cats. The rules differ depending on where your pet is coming from — EU countries, listed non-EU countries (like the USA, Canada, and Australia), and unlisted countries each have different requirements. Getting this wrong can result in your pet being put into quarantine or refused entry, so plan well in advance.
Dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling from EU countries must have an EU Pet Passport, be microchipped, and be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine must be given after microchipping. There is no quarantine requirement for pets arriving with valid documentation from EU countries.
For pets from non-EU countries on Ireland's approved list (including the USA, Canada, Australia, and many others), requirements include: ISO-standard microchip, rabies vaccination, a rabies antibody titre test showing sufficient immunity (at least 0.5 IU/ml), and a wait of 3 months after a satisfactory titre test result before travel. Full details are on the Department of Agriculture website.
All dogs in Ireland must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and registered on an approved database. It is a legal requirement under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations. Your vet can microchip your dog and register them. The main databases are Fido and Animark. Cats are not legally required to be microchipped, but it is strongly recommended.
All dogs in Ireland must be licensed annually. A dog licence costs €20 per year (or €140 for a lifetime licence). You can apply at your local Post Office or online via the Department of Agriculture. It is an offence to keep an unlicensed dog.
Register with a vet as soon as you arrive or get a new pet. You can find a vet through the Veterinary Ireland website at veterinaryireland.ie. Vet costs in Ireland are not regulated — prices vary significantly between practices, so it's worth checking a few in your area.
Everything you need to do to bring your dog to Ireland legally — microchipping, rabies vaccination, titre tests, and the rules for different countries.
Irish law requires all dogs to be microchipped and licensed. Here's what's required, how to register, and what the fines are for non-compliance.