Travelling with a pet within the EU involves specific legal requirements. These rules are designed to protect both public health and animal welfare, particularly from diseases such as rabies.
Before travelling, make sure you understand what’s required.
Please note: This guide is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice, and we do not accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this guide.
Does My Pet Need an EU Pet Passport?
Yes. If you plan to travel within the EU with a dog, cat or ferret, your pet will need an EU Pet Passport — including travel between:
Ireland
Northern Ireland
The UK
Other EU Member States
The Pet Travel Scheme was introduced to reduce the risk of rabies and other diseases. Pets with valid documentation can travel without being quarantined.
What Does an EU Pet Passport Include?
An EU Pet Passport is issued by your vet and contains:
Microchip identification details
Valid rabies vaccination, administered according to the manufacturer’s guidelines
Confirmation that the first rabies vaccination was given at least 21 days before travel
A photograph of your pet is optional.
Minimum Age for Travel
Although puppies and kittens can legally be sold from 8 weeks of age, they cannot travel immediately.
This is because:
The earliest a pet can receive a rabies vaccination is 12 weeks old
They must wait 21 days after vaccination before travelling
This means the minimum age for travel is typically 15 weeks.
Additional Requirements
Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)
Dogs must be treated for Echinococcus (tapeworm) before travelling — unless travelling directly into Ireland from another Echinococcus-free country such as:
The UK
Malta
Finland
Norway
Identification
Pets must be identified by:
A microchip, or
A clearly readable tattoo (applied before 3 July 2011)
Microchipping is now the standard requirement.
Booster Vaccinations
For older pets that have maintained their vaccination schedule:
The 21-day waiting period does not apply to booster vaccinations
There must be no break in the vaccination record
What Happens Without a Pet Passport?
If you attempt to travel without the correct documentation, your pet may be:
Placed in quarantine (at your expense)
Returned to the country of origin
In extreme cases, euthanised
Failure to comply with regulations can have serious consequences, so always confirm requirements before travelling.
What If I Don’t Have a Pet Passport?
If you are a private owner and do not have a Pet Passport, a Veterinary Certificate signed by your vet may be used instead.
However, if the animal is being:
Sold
Transferred to a new owner
Moved for commercial purposes
You will require documentation for Commercial Moves, not private travel forms.
Commercial Transport of Pets
Additional rules apply when pets are transported for sale or change of ownership.
Requirements include:
Type 2 Transporter Authorisation from the relevant Department of Agriculture
Compliance with Animal Welfare in Transport guidelines
A veterinary clinical examination within 24 hours of travel, confirming the animal is fit for transport
A Health (“Balai”) Certificate issued within 24 hours of departure by the relevant Department of Agriculture
Commercial movements are subject to stricter controls.
Where to Find More Information
For the most up-to-date guidance:
Speak to your local vet
Visit the Department of Agriculture website (Republic of Ireland)
Visit the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development NI website (Northern Ireland)
Regulations can change, so always confirm details before travelling.
Travelling with your pet should be straightforward — but preparation is key.
Taking the time to ensure all documentation is in place will help avoid stress for both you and your animal.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.