How do you bring a pet to Ireland in 2026?

Follow the live DAFM Pet Travel portal for dogs, cats and ferrets. Identification (usually an ISO microchip) must come before the rabies vaccine. From other EU countries that usually means an EU pet passport from an authorised veterinarian. Non-EU origins need the health certificate and waiting rules DAFM lists for that country, including titre testing where required.

Dogs normally need tapeworm treatment within one to five days before entry, with published exceptions such as travel from Northern Ireland under listed rules. Ferry and airline carriage policies sit on top of animal-health paperwork. Commercial consignments and large group moves can flip into trade rules.

Local-authority dog licensing and microchip rules still apply once you live here: Dog-friendly Ireland. Confirm the rental contract allows pets before you book the crate; many Dublin and Galway landlords refuse or add deposits: How to rent a home.

Do not treat a Northern Ireland-only travel document as Republic clearance if the animal continues south. Sequence pets beside other mover admin: Paperwork after moving and Import household goods.