Entry of pets into Ireland under the Prior Approval System
Entry of a pet into Ireland under the Prior Approval System - pets from outside the EU
A pet that enters Ireland from a country outside the EU can travel in on an Approved Airline or, in the absence of an appropriate approved airline, under the Prior Approval System. The Prior Approval System requires a pet owner to supply a copy of a Pet Passport/Veterinary Certificate to this Department. If, on foot of examination of the documents supplied, the pet appears to satisfy the requirements for entry into Ireland a "Prior Approval Declaration" will be issued. On arrival into Dublin Airport, the pet will be transferred to Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital located near the airport, for an inspection to verify identification and examination of the original passport/veterinary certificate and, where appropriate, supporting documentation. Animals satisfying all of the requirements of the pet passport system will be released into free circulation.
Prior Approval for Entry from a Qualifying (lower risk) country
(click here for list of Qualifying Countries)
To avail of a Prior Approval for entry into Ireland the pet must be prepared as set out in the 'Requirements for entry or re-entry for dogs, cats and ferrets from a country outside the EU' - click here
To apply for a Prior Approval:
- Completed Sections I, II, III & IV section of the EU Pet Passport/Veterinary Certificate must be faxed or e-mailed to the Special Projects Unit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at least 10 working days in advance of travel, fax number + 353 1 607-2843 or e-mail to Pets@agriculture.gov.ie.
- Entry into Ireland will be by airline into Dublin Airport only and pets must travel as manifest freight (cargo) and cannot travel in the cabin or as checked baggage.
- The owner/person responsible for the pet must provide flight details to Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
- A booking must be made with Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital (included in this is an arrangement for a courier to transfer the pet to Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital from the airport for inspection). Arrangements, including costs, for Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital and courier will be a matter for the pet owner. Contact and approximate cost details are below.
- The name, address and contact telephone in Ireland of the pet owner/person responsible must be provided.
- Original Pet Passport/Veterinary Certificate must be available for inspection.
Animals satisfying all of the requirements of the pet passport system will be released from quarantine into free circulation. It is expected that the inspection will take place on the day of arrival and usually within an hour or so of arrival at Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital. Animals deemed not to have met all of the requirements of the Pet Passport System will be quarantined for the time necessary for the pet to meet the health requirements up to a maximum of 21 days, at the owners expense.
Prior Approval for Entry from a non-qualifying (higher risk) countries:
(click here for list of Qualifying Countries - if your pet is entering Ireland from a country outside the EU and the country is not on this list, then it is a non-qualifying country)
To avail of a Prior Approval for entry into Ireland the pet must be prepared as set out in the 'Requirements for entry or re-entry for dogs, cats and ferrets from a country outside the EU' - click here.
To apply for a Prior Approval:
- Completed Sections I, II, III, IV &V section of the EU Pet Passport/Veterinary Certificate, along with the supporting documentation i.e. the rabies vaccination certificate and blood test result must be faxed or e-mailed to the Special Projects Unit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at least 10 working days in advance of travel, fax number + 353 1 607-2843 or e-mail to Pets@agriculture.gov.ie.
- Entry into Ireland will be by airline into Dublin Airport only and pets must travel as manifest freight (cargo) and can not travel in the cabin or as checked baggage.
- The owner/person responsible for the pet must provide flight details to Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
- A booking must be made with Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital (included in this is an arrangement for a courier to transfer the pet to Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital from the airport for inspection). Arrangements, including costs, for Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital and courier will be a matter for the pet owner. Contact and approximate cost details are below.
- The name, address and contact telephone in Ireland of the pet owner/person responsible must be provided.
- Original Pet Passport/Veterinary Certificate must be available for inspection.
Animals satisfying all of the requirements of the pet passport system will be released from quarantine into free circulation. It is expected that the inspection will take place on the day of arrival and usually within an hour or so of arrival at Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital. Animals deemed not to have met all of the requirements of the Pet Passport System will be quarantined for the time necessary for the pet to meet the health requirements up to a maximum of 4 months, at the owners expense.
Contact details and schedule of approximate costs for Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital
Contact details:
Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital
Lissenhall
Swords
Co Dublin
Tel: + 353 1 8900375 / 8401776
Fax: + 353 1 8409338
Email: lissenhallvet@eircom.net
Transport from Airport to Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital: Arranged by Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital
Costs: (approximate)
All fees quoted include VAT, collection, customs clearance and veterinary inspection
- First animal: €230
- Each additional animal: €75
The above rates apply to the following times:
Monday to Friday (incl.) - 06.00 h to 19.00 h
Saturday /Sunday/Bank Holiday - 06.00 h to 17.00 h
All other times
- First animal: €400
- Each additional animal: €75
Please note that pets arriving on flights before 06.00 h may not clear customs until after 08.00 h and are charged at the lower rates.
