Bringing a Cat to Ireland: Rules and Requirements

Moving to Ireland with a cat is very achievable, but Ireland's rules are stricter than many countries because it's a rabies-free island. Miss a step — especially the timing on paperwork — and your cat can be delayed, refused entry, or put into quarantine. Here's exactly what's required before you travel.

What documents does my cat need to enter Ireland?

Every cat entering Ireland needs three things, completed in the right order: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and the correct travel document — an EU Pet Passport if travelling from within the EU, or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if travelling from outside the EU, including Great Britain post-Brexit for non-commercial pet movements.

Microchip — must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant and implanted before the rabies vaccination is given, or the vaccination doesn't legally count.
Rabies vaccination — your cat must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated, and you must wait 21 days after the primary (first-ever) vaccination before travelling. Booster vaccinations don't require a fresh 21-day wait, as long as they're given within the booked validity window.
Pet passport or Animal Health Certificate — issued by an authorised vet, listing the microchip number and vaccination dates. An AHC is only valid for 10 days from issue for entry into the EU/Ireland, so timing your vet visit close to travel is essential.

Do cats need tapeworm treatment to enter Ireland?

No. Tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment is a requirement for dogs entering Ireland, not cats. If you're travelling with both a cat and a dog, don't mix up the paperwork — the dog's tapeworm treatment must be given by a vet 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival and recorded in its passport or AHC, while the cat has no such requirement under current rules.

Travelling from the UK with a cat

Since Brexit, Great Britain is treated as a "non-EU listed" country for pet travel purposes. You'll need an Animal Health Certificate from an Official Veterinarian (not a standard pet passport) issued no more than 10 days before travel, covering microchip, rabies vaccination, and a clinical health check. Travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic is unrestricted — no paperwork is needed for that leg, as both are on the island of Ireland with no rabies.

How much does it cost to bring a cat to Ireland?

Budget roughly €150–€400 in total, covering:

Microchipping — €20–€30 if not already done
Rabies vaccination — €50–€80
Vet certificate/AHC issue — €80–€150 depending on the clinic
Airline pet fees — typically €100–€300 depending on carrier and whether the cat travels in the cabin or as manifest cargo

Most airlines (Aer Lingus, Ryanair does not carry pets) allow small cats in the cabin in an approved carrier under the seat, subject to weight limits — check with your airline well in advance as space is limited and must be booked separately from your own ticket.

What happens if my cat's paperwork isn't in order?

Cats arriving without valid documentation can be denied entry, returned to the country of origin at the owner's expense, or in serious cases placed into quarantine under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. There is no standard quarantine period for compliant pets — the whole point of the EU pet travel scheme is to allow entry without quarantine, provided you've done the paperwork correctly and on time.

Key resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my cat to Ireland without a pet passport?

If travelling from the EU, you need an EU Pet Passport. If travelling from outside the EU (including Great Britain), you need an Animal Health Certificate instead — a passport from a non-EU country isn't valid for entry into Ireland.

Does my cat need tapeworm treatment before flying to Ireland?

No — tapeworm treatment is only required for dogs entering Ireland, not cats, under current Department of Agriculture rules.

How long before travel does my cat need the rabies vaccine?

At least 21 days must pass after the first-ever rabies vaccination before your cat can travel to Ireland. This wait doesn't apply to booster shots given within the valid revaccination window.

Will my cat be quarantined when entering Ireland?

Not if your paperwork is complete and correct. Ireland doesn't operate routine quarantine for compliant pets travelling under the EU pet travel scheme or with a valid Animal Health Certificate — quarantine is only used when documentation is missing or non-compliant.

Which airlines let you bring a cat to Ireland in the cabin?

Aer Lingus and several other carriers allow small cats in an approved under-seat carrier on flights to Dublin, Cork, and Shannon, subject to size and weight limits. Ryanair does not carry pets on any route. Always confirm pet policy and book pet space directly with the airline before travel.