Export Pet Dogs and Cats to Ireland

1. Have your pet microchipped

Before any of the other procedures are carried out, your pet must be identified with a microchip. If the microchip does not meet ISO standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785, the individual who is responsible for the pet will need to provide the microchip reader upon arrival.

Any microchip company can be used as long as the chip required by the importing country is met. It is up to the owner/veterinarian to ensure that the chip being used will conform.

For easy reference we have listed microchip companies that offer this service. You may choose a different provider so long as the above is met.

2. Have your pet vaccinated against rabies

The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the recommendations from the vaccine producer, and the vaccine must be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The rabies vaccination and revaccination, if necessary, must been carried out in accordance with the producer's recommendations.

As EC requires a valid rabies vaccination at the moment of entry of pet animals, this means a 21 days period should occur between a primary vaccination and the presentation of this animal at an EC border point; this period does not apply when pet animals are appropriately re-vaccinated (booster).

3. Arrange for a blood test for your pets

A rabies antibody test must have been taken, which shows a result of antibodies of a least 0.5 IU/ml.  The test must be taken at a date at least 30 days but no more than 365 days after the most recent vaccination against rabies, which is the same time frame as in the current rules. Only laboratories approved by the EU may be engaged (approved laboratories). If a re-vaccination is carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the producer, no second test is needed.

This testing is currently only available in North America from the following laboratories:

Request the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization test (not the Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition (RFFIT) test)

It is recommended that the copy of the United States Department of Agriculture standing import permit accompany any samples to Kansas, therefore, the veterinarian must contact the above laboratory and request that a copy be faxed.

There is a 6 full calendar months waiting period after the first successful test from the date the blood was drawn, before entering Ireland.  If you cannot wait the 6 months, the pet will need to be quarantined for the balance of the time remaining of the 6 months.  You will need to contact the Department of Agriculture and Food - Ireland to arrange quarantine.

4. Before your pet enters Ireland it must be treated for ticks and tapeworms (echinococcus)

Between 24 and 48 hours before you check-in for travel you must bring your pet to a registered veterinarian to be treated against tick and tapeworm.  The tick treatment must be other than by a collar impregnated with acaricide. 

To search for products which are registered and approved for use in Canada against ticks and fleas, please go to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency's Search Engine "Product Information": Under "Search Full Contents of E-labels" (at the bottom of the page), enter "Cats and dogs, not collar" for a listing of available products (please note that collars are not an acceptable form of treatment against ticks and fleas); or call 1-800-267-6315.

Products used for treatment against tapeworms must contain PRAZIQUANTEL as the active ingredient. To search for products which are registered and approved for use in Canada, please go to the Health Canada Drug Product Database. Please ensure you read the product label to ensure it can be used for dogs and/or cats.

Please ensure that the veterinarian rescans the microchip to ensure the number is correct and the chip is still readable.

5. Certification

A veterinarian authorised by the competent authority (licensed veterinarian) must provide all the pertinent information concerning identification and vaccination by completing the Veterinary Certificate.

Once all the steps above have been successfully completed, contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office to obtain an official endorsement by an official veterinarian (competent authority - CFIA veterinarian). The  export certificate is available in PDF format only.

6. Fees for endorsement is $20.00

7. Puppies, kittens and young ferrets

No exemptions exist for puppies, kittens, and young ferrets; they have to be vaccinated as outlined above.

For further information or clarification on these procedures, please contact the relevant CFIA Office for the province in which you reside.

8. Arrange for your animal to travel on an approved route

Pets traveling from Canada must enter Irland by air on approved route. You can view approved routes from Canada at the following Department of Agriculture and Food - Ireland website.