Official Import Rules
Ireland follows EU pet regulations with one critical addition: dogs must be treated for Echinococcus tapeworm 24-120 hours before entry (cats are exempt from tapeworm treatment). Cats from EU states need a valid EU Pet Passport with ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination.
Non-EU cats need a health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination. Non-listed countries also need a FAVN titer test with 3-month wait.
All pets must enter through Cork, Dublin, Shannon airports, Dublin Port, Cork at Ringaskiddy, or Rosslare Europort.
The pet owner or a designated person must travel on the same flight as the pet. If the owner cannot be on that same flight, a designated person must accompany the pet, and the owner must then arrive within 5 days of the pet's arrival for the move to be considered non-commercial. If this condition is not met, the move is treated as a commercial pet movement.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine operates at Dublin Airport from 7:00am to 9:00pm, seven days a week.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) transitions to the new Animal Health Law framework on 22 April 2026. Core requirements remain unchanged — microchip, rabies vaccination, EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate — but border authorities are now enforcing stricter document checking. In particular, the microchip-before-vaccination sequencing rule is being scrutinised more carefully: if your cat's rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, that vaccination is invalid for EU entry. Ensure all documents are complete, correctly sequenced, and that microchip numbers match across every certificate before travelling. Note for cats travelling from the UK: while cats are exempt from tapeworm treatment, ensure your Animal Health Certificate is issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by an Official Veterinarian. The transition is governed by EU Implementing Regulation 2026/636 — see the official EU legislation for full details.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant.
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel.
EU Pet Passport
Issued by authorised vet. Covers microchip and vaccination records.
Health certificate
Required for non-EU arrivals. Issued within 10 days of travel.
Travel
No quarantine for compliant cats.
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for compliant cats. Non-compliant animals may be quarantined or returned at the owner's expense. In extreme cases, euthanasia is possible.
City & Housing Tips
Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick are cat-friendly cities. Ireland has a strong animal welfare culture. Most rental properties accept cats. The Irish SPCA and Cats Protection provide local resources.
Vets & Common Parasites
Excellent veterinary care across Ireland. The Veterinary Council of Ireland maintains a register of practices. 24-hour emergency clinics available in Dublin, Cork, and other cities. Common parasites: fleas (year-round) and intestinal worms.
Find Vets in IrelandExit Rules — Leaving Ireland
Leaving Ireland for EU countries requires the EU Pet Passport. Non-EU destinations need an Animal Health Certificate from a DAFM-authorized vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! Unlike dogs, cats are exempt from the Echinococcus tapeworm treatment requirement for Ireland.
From EU countries: yes, most airlines allow cabin pets. From outside the EU (e.g., US): cats must arrive as cargo on approved routes, similar to the UK.
Yes. If entering Ireland from outside the EU, you must notify DAFM at least 24 hours before arrival via the Advance Notice Portal.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Ireland with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.