KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

BRINGING A DOG INTO IRELAND

Question: I am moving back to Ireland after living in Greece for some years. Am I allowed to bring my dog with me?

Answer: There are strict controls about importing pets into Ireland to ensure that diseases such as rabies are not introduced. The EU system of passports for pets allows cats, dogs and ferrets to travel between EU member states.

You may bring your dog with you if you are moving to Ireland or coming on holiday (or any other movement that is not commercial and doesn=92t involve the sale or change of ownership of the pet). Your dog must have an EU Pet Passport. This is available from private veterinary practices.

The Passport certifies that the pet is travelling from an eligible country, is identified by an implanted microchip and has been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel.

Dogs coming from countries other than the UK, Finland or Malta must be treated against tapeworm between 24 and 120 hours before travel. The time and date of treatment are entered on the passport. Treatment for ticks is not compulsory but it is advisable to get it at the same time as the tapeworm treatment.

The operator of the airline or ferry company is legally obliged to send notice of the arrival of the animal to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine by email at least 24 hours before the journey to petmove@agriculture.gov.ie.

Further information is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (agriculture.gov.ie/pets) and from the Citizens Information Centre below.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.

Killarney - 0761 07 7820 Email: killarney@citinfo.ie Tralee - 0761 07 7860 Email: tralee@citinfo.ie e Caherciveen - 0761 07 7780 Email: caherciveen@citinfo.ie Kenmare - 0761 07 7810 Email: kenmare@citinfo.ie Killorglin 0761 07 7830 Email: killorglin@ citinfo.ie Listowel - 0761 07 7840 Email: .listowel@citinfo.ie