It is now much easier to bring your dog on holiday to the EU but it still requires some forward planning. The pet owner must complete a process of microchipping and vaccinating for rabies before a passport is issued. Also a visit to the vet prior to traveling in and out of Ireland is necessary. Even pets travelling to the UK now legally require a pet passport.

How to get an EU Pet Passport in Ireland.

Step One:

Your pet must be microchipped by your vet to provide identification.

Step Two:

Your vet should then complete the passport application form and return the form to the issuing authority (details on application form). If you wish to have your pet’s photograph on its passport (this is optional), you should bring a photograph with you to your vet to attach to the application form. The photograph should be no bigger than 6cm x 4cm, should be clear and feature only the pet.

If you wish to have your pet’s photograph on its passport (this is optional), you should bring a photograph with you to your vet to attach to the application form. The photograph should be no bigger than 6cm x 4cm, should be clear and feature only the pet.

Step Three:

Your vet should then vaccinate your pet against rabies. 21 days must elapse from the date of vaccination before you are able to travel.

Step Four:

Your pet’s passport, with certain details completed, will be sent out directly to your vet. When it is received your vet can then enter the details of the rabies vaccination and return it to you. You are now free to travel!

Step Five:

Before re-entry into Ireland dogs must also be treated for the tapeworm echinococcus. Echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment applies only to dogs – dogs must be treated not more than 120 hours (5 days) and not less than 24 hours (1 day) prior to scheduled arrival time in Ireland.

Echinococcus treatment details in the passport/certificate must include name, date, and time of treatment. Details must be endorsed by a veterinarian by signature and stamp.

Note – while treatment against ticks is no longer a compulsory requirement, travellers are advised, on animal and human health grounds, to avail of tick treatment for their dogs when getting the tapeworm treatment.

This is an opportunity for those who travel widely or those who have a house on the continent to bring their pet with them on holiday. It is also necessary for non Irish national who are returning home from Ireland with their pets to obtain a pet passport. For further queries please Contact Us.