Planning to travel with your pet?
We strongly recommend checking the following before making any travel arrangements:
Official Pet Travel Information:
Irish Department of Agriculture Pet Travel Guidance
Travel requirements can change at short notice and some countries require additional documentation, blood tests or health certificates. Always check the destination country's official veterinary authority before travelling.
What Your Pet Needs to Travel and Important Timelines
To travel within the EU, your pet will need:
A microchip (this must be done before the rabies vaccination).
A pet passport (issued by an authorised vet, which we are).
An up-to-date rabies vaccination. The first rabies vaccine must be given at least 30 days before travel.
Dogs returning to Ireland require tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1–5 days before arrival in Ireland and recorded in the passport.
Some countries also require a pre-travel veterinary health check and parasite treatment. Please check with the Dept. of Agriculture of the country you are travelling to.
Before travelling, identify a veterinary clinic near your accommodation in case your pet requires treatment or needs tapeworm treatment before returning to Ireland
Useful Websites
- Irish Pet Travel Portal
- Department of Agriculture Pet Travel Information
- UK Pet Travel Guidance (GOV.UK)
Travel outside of the EU
Travelling outside the European Union often involves additional requirements beyond those needed for travel within the EU. Every country sets its own import regulations, and these can vary significantly.
Before You Travel
We recommend starting your travel preparations at least 3–6 months before departure, as some countries require advance testing and documentation.
Depending on your destination, your pet may need:
- A microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination
- An EU Pet Passport
- A veterinary health certificate
- Rabies antibody (titre) blood testing
- Import permits
- Additional parasite treatments
- Specific airline-approved travel crates
Popular Long-Haul Destinations
United States
Requirements vary and may depend on your pet's travel history and rabies vaccination status.Canada
Generally straightforward for pets travelling from Ireland, but documentation requirements should always be checked before travel.Australia and New Zealand
These countries have some of the world's strictest biosecurity regulations. Planning may need to begin many months in advance and quarantine requirements may apply.United Arab Emirates
Import permits and additional documentation may be required.Returning to Ireland
Returning to Ireland can be more complicated than leaving. Depending on the country visited, pets may require additional documentation and, in some cases, rabies antibody testing completed before travel.
Failure to meet the correct requirements can result in delays, quarantine, or refusal of entry.
Our Advice
Always check the official veterinary authority website of your destination country before booking travel arrangements. Requirements can change at short notice, and airline policies may differ from government regulations.
If you are planning to travel outside the EU, we recommend booking a travel consultation with our team as early as possible. We can help you understand the requirements for your destination, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and guide you through the paperwork needed for a smooth journey.
Planning Ahead
At Croí na Mara Vets, we provide everything you need for pet travel: the pet passport itself, pre-travel examinations, rabies vaccination, and parasite prevention certificates.
We recommend starting the process at least six to eight weeks before your travel date. This gives enough time for the rabies vaccine waiting period and any additional requirements.
If you are planning a trip with your pet, contact our team at Croí na Mara Vets and we will make sure you have everything sorted before you go.
CONTACT BRIARHILL:
Croí na Mara Vets Briarhill,
Briarhill Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway H91HOF4
Phone: 091 380000
WhatsApp: 0834326556
Email: [email protected]
CONTACT ORANMORE:
Croí na Mara Vets Oranmore,
Oranpoint, Oranmore, Galway H91D7X2
Phone: 091 380001
WhatsApp: 0834326556
Email: [email protected]