Pet Travel to Ireland from the UK

 

Quick Summary

 

To take your dog from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland, you will normally need to:

• Microchip your dog

• Have a valid rabies vaccination

• Complete the required waiting period after a primary rabies vaccination

• Obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

• Arrange tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival in Ireland

• Give advance notice of your arrival and arrange the required compliance check

• Enter Ireland through an approved point of entry

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Step-by-Step: UK to Ireland Dog Travel

 

1. Rabies Vaccination

Your dog must be:

• Microchipped

• Vaccinated against rabies

Following a primary rabies vaccination, the required waiting period must have elapsed before travel. This is at least 21 full days and may be longer depending on the vaccine used.

If your dog receives a booster while its previous rabies vaccination is still valid, a new waiting period does not normally apply.

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2. Choose the Right Travel Route

Pets entering Ireland from Great Britain must use an approved point of entry and undergo the required compliance checks.

Common routes include ferries arriving through:

• Dublin Port

• Rosslare Europort

• Cork / Ringaskiddy

Always check that your chosen route and operator accept pets before booking.

Ireland currently requires pets arriving from Great Britain to undergo a compliance check on arrival. You should also provide the required advance notice before travelling.

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3. Get an Animal Health Certificate

For most Great Britain residents travelling with a dog to Ireland, an Animal Health Certificate is required.

The AHC must:

• Be issued by an Official Veterinarian

• Be issued no more than 10 days before your dog enters the EU

• Include the correct microchip and rabies vaccination information

• Include the required tapeworm treatment details for dogs travelling to Ireland

UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for EU travel.

Since April 2026, EU Pet Passports are intended for owners whose main residence is within the EU. Great Britain residents travelling from Great Britain should therefore obtain an Animal Health Certificate.

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4. Tapeworm Treatment for Ireland

Dogs travelling from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland require tapeworm treatment.

The treatment must:

• Be administered by a veterinarian

• Contain praziquantel or an equivalent treatment effective against Echinococcus multilocularis

• Be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival in Ireland

• Be correctly recorded in the Animal Health Certificate

The Pet Passport Co. can administer and certify the tapeworm treatment at your AHC appointment where the timing of the appointment falls within the required travel window.

If you are supplying the worming treatment yourself, please ensure it is an appropriate veterinary product and bring it to your appointment as instructed.

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5. Give Advance Notice and Arrange Your Compliance Check

Pets arriving in Ireland from Great Britain must undergo a compliance check at an approved point of entry.

You should provide advance notice of your arrival through the Irish pet travel system before travelling.

Your pet's:

• Microchip

• Animal Health Certificate

• Rabies vaccination

• Tapeworm treatment

may be checked as part of the process.

Make sure you have the original travel documentation with you.

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6. Travel to Ireland

Your dog must enter the EU within 10 days of the Animal Health Certificate being issued.

On arrival in Ireland, your pet will undergo the required compliance checks at the approved point of entry.

Once the checks have been completed successfully, you can continue your journey.

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7. Returning to Great Britain

If you are travelling directly from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain, your dog does not require an additional tapeworm treatment for entry into Great Britain.

Ireland is one of the countries specifically exempt from the usual GB-entry tapeworm requirement.

You can normally use the same Animal Health Certificate to return to Great Britain, provided:

• it is still valid;

• it is less than six months since you entered the EU; and

• your dog's rabies vaccination remains valid.

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Key Differences When Travelling to Ireland

Compared with many other EU destinations, Ireland has some additional requirements:

• Dogs require tapeworm treatment before entry

• Pets must enter through an approved point of entry

• Advance notice is required

• A compliance check is carried out on arrival

• Dogs returning directly from Ireland to Great Britain do not need additional tapeworm treatment

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common problems include:

• Missing the 24–120 hour tapeworm treatment window

• Failing to arrange the required compliance check

• Not providing advance notice before arrival

• Using an unsuitable port or route

• Travelling with an invalid rabies vaccination

• Getting the AHC too early

• Providing incorrect or incomplete travel details

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Travelling by Ferry with a Dog

When travelling by ferry:

• Check your operator's pet policy before booking

• Allow additional time for pet checks

• Use an appropriate harness, crate or vehicle restraint

• Bring water and a bowl

• Keep your Animal Health Certificate easily accessible

• Check whether your crossing requires a kennel, pet cabin or vehicle accommodation

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Need an Animal Health Certificate for Ireland?

The Pet Passport Co. provides Animal Health Certificate appointments across a growing network of locations in England, Scotland and Wales.

We offer:

• Home visit appointments

• Collection point appointments

• Certificates issued by Official Veterinarians

• Tapeworm treatment where required

• Flexible appointment options

• Support with pet travel documentation

Book online or visit our Locations page to find your nearest service.

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FAQs

Do I need tapeworm treatment to enter Ireland?

Yes. Dogs travelling directly from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland normally require tapeworm treatment administered by a veterinarian no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival.

The treatment must be correctly recorded in your pet's Animal Health Certificate.

Can I use an EU Pet Passport?

If your main residence is in Great Britain and you are travelling from Great Britain, you should obtain an Animal Health Certificate.

Since April 2026, EU Pet Passports are intended for owners whose main residence is within the EU.

Do I need an Animal Health Certificate for Ireland?

Yes, for most Great Britain residents travelling with a dog, cat or ferret to the Republic of Ireland, an Animal Health Certificate is required.

Do I need to notify the Irish authorities before travelling?

Yes. Pets arriving from Great Britain must undergo a compliance check at an approved point of entry, and advance notice should be provided before arrival.

Does my dog need tapeworm treatment before returning from Ireland to Great Britain?

No. Dogs travelling directly from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain are exempt from the usual tapeworm treatment requirement for entry into Great Britain.

Can I travel to Northern Ireland instead?

Different rules apply to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Eligible GB residents travelling only to Northern Ireland can use the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document and do not require rabies vaccination, an AHC or tapeworm treatment under that scheme.

If you travel onwards from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland, the EU pet travel requirements apply.

If you have any questions about your journey, please contact us. Our Official Veterinarians can help explain the veterinary certification requirements for your trip.

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Written by Dr Ezekiel Maguire MRCVS
Official Veterinarian and Founder of The Pet Passport Co.