The importation of pets into Ireland is quite strictly controlled in order to try to ensure that diseases such as rabies are not also imported. Since the introduction of so-called "Passports for pets" in the UK, there has been some easing of the rules in relation to pets that qualify for passports under the UK rules.

Animals from all countries except the UK:

If you want to import a dog or cat into Ireland from countries other than the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, you must have an import licence. In order to get a licence, the animal must either:

? be put in approved quarantine in Ireland for at least six months
? or be put in approved quarantine for one month and then approved private arrangements for a further five months.

The second option is only available if the animal has come from certain countries, has been vaccinated against rabies, has a current rabies vaccination certificate and meets certain requirements when the one-month's quarantine is finished. The animal may be "quarantined" for the further five months at the owner's residence, provided there is a suitable facility there and approval has been given in advance of the importation by the Veterinary Inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture and Food. The animal and the premises will be subject to further inspection by private veterinary surgeons during the five-month period.

You should apply for approval for such premises at least three months before bringing the animal to Ireland.
There is only one approved public quarantine premises: Lissenhall Quarantine Kennels and Catteries, Lissenhall, Swords, Co Dublin, Tel: +353 1 8401776, Fax: +353 1 8409338. Animals must spend their six- or one-month quarantine here.

The animal must be transported by air to Ireland and land at Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports and must be brought on by air to Dublin if necessary. Transport from the airport to the quarantine and from one place of quarantine to another must be undertaken by the only authorised agent, Kelly Couriers, 30 Selskar Avenue, Skerries, Co. Dublin. Tel: +353 1 8490807 or +353 87 255 5728.

All the costs of quarantine, veterinary fees, transport, etc., must be met by the owner. Arrangements for quarantine and transport must be in place before an import licence is granted. The animal should not travel without the import licence.

Animals coming from the UK

Animals coming to Ireland from the UK are not subject to the quarantine requirements. In effect, there is a common zone between Ireland and the UK and dogs and cats can move freely within that zone provided they do not travel outside it.
Until 2000, the UK had broadly the same quarantine arrangements for pets arriving from other countries. The UK has now decided to dispense with the quarantine arrangements for dogs and cats entering or re-entering the UK from member states of the EU, the European Economic Area or rabies-free islands. Instead, the pets will be subject to microchip identification, vaccination, blood testing, and health certification (the so-called Passport). This regime also provides for certification that treatment for ticks and tapeworms has been administered.
Pets that have been through the UK passport requirements are now also free to travel to and from Ireland without quarantine.