Bringing a Dog to Ireland from the USA, a Detailed Guide [by a local]
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Have you been wondering about bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA?
Bringing a Dog from the United States to Ireland can be challenging. There are a lot of logistics to figure out from the paperwork to navigating the flight.
Thank goodness we have a helpful guide created by someone who has tons of experience making this journey. Jennifer has traveled often between Ireland and the US with her 5 pets including her dog Zoe.
Now she put what she has learned into a fantastic guide! She has a number of pro tips that you may not have thought of before. Keep reading to learn more about bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA.
We moved from Texas to Ireland and go back to the US to visit with our smallest (19 years young!) doggo, Zoe.
I thought I would write a post about our trips to Dublin for those that are interested in trans-Atlantic traveling with a pet in the cabin and have anxiety about the unknown like myself! I tried to put as much detail as possible.
Zoe the Irish-American Chihuahua
Zoe is a 19-year-old Chihuahua
Zoe moved from Austin, Texas to Ireland with her owner Jennifer Dundee Reeder.
Zoe was a regular pet traveler in the US and has continued to fly internationally.
Jennifer has spent many years working at a veterinary hospital, so she knows a lot about making sure pets are healthy and safe.
Can I fly my dog to Ireland with me?
Yes, you absolutely can fly your dog and cat to Ireland with you!
If you are bringing a pet to Ireland from the USA, you need to comply with certain requirements including proof of rabies vaccine connected to your pet’s microchip. Additionally for Ireland & UK (but not all EU countries), a required tapeworm treatment. If you are traveling to the EU for the first time or on holiday, you will also need a USDA-endorsed certificate from your vet to enter the EU.
How to Travel with My Dog to Ireland
Dogs and cats can both fly to Ireland from the United States. Depending on the size, the pet may fly in the cabin or under the plane.
If you have traveled to Ireland or anywhere else, share your story to help fellow pet travelers and stamp your Paws Passport.
Traveling between US and Ireland with a dog in cabin
Since Zoe is only 5lb/2kg she is quite tote-able and can travel with me in the cabin.
We fly Delta, we find them to be the most pet-friendly in-cabin airline. Zoe flew frequently with us domestically in the US before our move to Ireland.
Pet Reservations with Delta Airlines
You cannot add a pet to your flight reservation online with Delta, you must call customer service. You can book a ticket and then call, or just call reservations and book, adding your pet at that time
Pro Tip: Sometimes the reservations line wait times are shorter.
Pet airport check-in
You cannot check-in online or through the app when you have a pet, you must check in at the counter, so allow extra time.
We check in at the “special needs” line at Delta. The customer service counter person will check the Rabies vaccine and give you a bright green “Delta Authorized” tag for your bag.
They may not let you board without this tag, so make sure they give you a receipt, boarding pass or tag for your pet before you leave the desk!
Cost for flying with a pet on Delta Airlines in-cabin
The fee is $200 each way at the time I’m writing, payable at the time of check-in.
Note the green tag indicates the pet has been approved for the flight
Delta Air Lines’ pet carrier requirements
The max dimensions for your pet’s travel bag are usually noted on your airline’s website. No one has ever measured Zoe’s bag, but for Delta, it is 18″x11″x11″.
That size slides nicely under the seats.
No one on any of our trips has ever checked if Zoe can stand up or move around.
We smush her dog bed in there with her, so not really. She’s not super mobile anyway, so it’s never been a concern for us. We are more worried that she is warm and comfy when she snoozes.
If your dog isn’t crate trained or is struggling in the bag, they might have more to say about it.
Going through airport security with a pet
You do have to carry your pet through security outside of their bag, so if you have a darter or cat, make sure you have a harness already.
How do I prepare my dog for a 10-hour flight?
The path we take from the US to Ireland is Austin – JFK – Dublin. It’s a long journey, but we have developed a strategy that works for us.
Feeding and Potty Breaks
Zoe *refuses* to use the pet potty rooms at airports. I mean REFUSES. So we have come up with this system.
We keep her out of the kennel as much as possible prior to the flight.
What works for us is this:
✅ Feed her early (6-7am)
✅ Schedule our flight for late morning (10-12pm).
✅ We go ahead and feed her a full meal because she will poop right after she eats usually and then sleep. (Old dog things).
✅ We also take a small, collapsible bowl in case she demands water. Keeping them hydrated is important, but since bathroom breaks aren’t easy, use your best judgment.
✅ We try to get a 3-5 hour flight for our first leg, so Austin to JFK is great at close to 4. This seems short but with parking/check-in/security/take-off delays/de-planing, by the time we arrive, she’s been in her bag for a good 7-8 hours.
✅ We try to have a 3+ hour layover whenever possible. We first always still attempt to let her potty in the pet area. Still a no. So we go and find a semi-free corner in a gate area and build her a little playpen with our carry-ons. We put down a potty pad or 2, and water. She walks in circles for a few mins and then *potty time*.
On one flight she would NOT settle and my husband took her to the bathroom with a potty pad and she randomly needed to pee.
Bringing dogs on a plane
During the flight, she is mostly silent and sleeping. Most flight crew never even realize she’s on board.
Pro Tip: We have found taking snacks that crumble into her bed so she kind of has to root around for them helps keep her quiet in case she is jostled awake by bumps.
We have sneakily removed her from her bag and held her before and have about a 50% success rate with the flight crew that thinks she’s adorable and 50% that ask us to keep her in the bag. I don’t know that this would generally be allowed, but we got away with it. It helps that she’s very small and can hide under a strategically placed sweatshirt.
We have also done the trick (when I was a much more anxious flier) of giving the flight crew Starbucks gift cards or small treat bags with a little Thank You from Zoe. This generally bought us some goodwill in case she got fussy. But we are much more confident in her behavior now and haven’t done this in a while.
Is sedating my pet for a long-haul flight a good idea?
A lot of people ask about meds or sedation. Most airlines will require you to sign something stating your pet is not sedated.
Personally, having many many years of working in veterinary hospitals, I would agree. The health risks are not worth it. I am always anxious that someone will be bothered by Zoe whining or barking, but she rarely does and when it happens the white noise from the plane drowns her out AND 98% of people wear headphones on planes now anyway.
The most trying time is when they serve hot food. Zoe is NOT happy being in a bag locked away from all the food, so we usually pre-empt the rolling cart of chicken smells with a few treats.
The mental after-effects for your pet in being anxious but unable to move normally because of sedation like acepromazine can dangerously raise their heart rate and cause issues afterward.
That being said, Zoe already takes gabapentin and CBD for her arthritis and it usually chills her out for a while after she eats. So, use your best judgment and consult with your vet.
Pro Tip: Some people thoroughly exercise their pets before flights. I am not a huge fan of pre-flight cardio because it can dehydrate them or make them gulp water and then need to pee.
The better idea is mental stimulation– lots of sniffing, gentle play, hide and seek, puzzle games, etc.
This tires them out mentally, makes them more likely to snooze longer, and reduces anxiety.
Airport Layovers with our furry friends
We try to have a 3+ hour layover whenever possible. While this seems like a LONG time to spend at the delightful JFK, we have found it actually works in our favor.
✅ We go and find a semi-free corner in a gate area and build her a little enclosure with our bags.
✅ Zoe will eat, poop, and walk in circles for a few more minutes, then be ready for bed. ✅ Then we pack up and find some food for ourselves.
✅ If we have extra time before our flight, we camp at our gate and let her walk around in her playpen again. We try to keep her walking and awake as long as possible before we board for Ireland.
✅ She is very shaky when walking at this point so a leash is not a great option for her. If your dog is larger or more mobile you may not need these extra steps, they can just walk with you. But we had to improvise for our special needs girl! We try to find out-of-the-way spots for us to camp in, but no one has ever bothered us before.
Is it safe to fly dogs in cargo?
When we moved from Austin to Dublin, I hired a pet relocation company based out of Austin, Pets With Passports, to help coordinate our 5 animals. The relocation company was wonderful by the way. My 5 pets all flew cargo at the same time together.
What do I need to take my dog to Ireland from the USA?
The USDA APHIS states you will need proof of Rabies vaccine, microchip and additionally for Ireland & UK (but not all EU countries)- a required tapeworm treatment. This must be administered at the vet, no more than 5 days prior to landing at your final destination.
Rabies Vaccine
A receipt for the Rabies vaccine from your vet is not enough, you will need an endorsed certificate that have your pet’s microchip listed.
Many say they need to be signed in blue ink, not black … but I have never been stopped or had a cert questioned with a black ink.
Many vets have computer-generated signatures on these forms now, and customs seem to accept this. If you are concerned, make sure to note to your vet beforehand so they can print and sign additional certs for you without the computer signature. I would request 2 copies. (Never hurts to have an extra on hand!)
Microchip
It is important for the rabies vaccine to be recorded with the microchip number, so you will want to get the microchip before the vaccine.
Tapeworm treatment
The UK and Ireland have an additional requirement of a tapeworm treatment that is not required by most of the EU countries
This must be administered at the vet no more than 5 days prior to landing at your final destination.
Pro Tip: I worked at a vet for years and my preferred time frame is 2 days prior to flying. This is because even if your pet has no worms, the meds can cause tummy upset the next day or so after administering and flying with vomiting and/or diarrhea-having dog is no one’s idea of a good time. But doing it at 4 or 5 days runs the risk of concern with a canceled or reschedule flight bumping you out of your 5-day window. So 2-3 days out is my preference!
If you are an EU resident (like I am), the vet just records the date and time administered in her pet passport.
As an American traveling, I would pre-type out a letter stating
“I have administered __ med at __ dose to pet known as __, microchip # __ traveling with __, on _date_ at _time_.”
Have the vet write and sign the letter. Get them to put a stamp from their clinic (they all should have one) with their contact info phone/address etc. Keep this signed letter with the receipt from the tapeworm visit.
Again, the medication must be administered by a vet at the office, don’t let them send you home with it, and the receipt alone may not be enough.
Health certificate – USDA endorsed
Bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA: If you are traveling to the EU for the first time or on holiday, you will also need a USDA-endorsed certificate from your vet to enter the EU.
There is a high cost associated with it usually, but be kind to your vet! It is a laborious process and they are liable if even the smallest detail is wrong.
You will need to travel with 2 copies, as sometimes customs likes to take the original.
The USDA certificate must be signed by YOUR vet and a second USDA vet.
The exam for the health certificate by your vet can be done up to 30 days prior to travel.
The USDA must endorse it within only 10 days. This is the most stressful part, truthfully.
The USDA prioritizes based on flight dates, so sometimes you will only receive it 1 or 2 days prior to flying. *stress*. You can call and check with them if you are freaking out. But remember if your departure point to the airport is not your house, the certificate/FedEx has to track you down – so keep that in mind when traveling!
Pro Tip: A great thing to do is ask your vet if they do many travel certificates. Vets that have experience with this timing tend to have the process down a bit more efficiently than vets who rarely do them. Vets physically nearer to international airports are generally better at these! Not just any vet can sign, they must have a special certification- so check that as well!
What Happens Once We Arrive at the Dublin Airport With My Pet?
“Advanced Notice” to the Irish airport authorities
Prior to your arrival in Dublin, you must contact the Port Authority and schedule a compliance check.
They are open 7 days a week 9 am to 7pm. If you land outside those hours, it’s a bit more complicated so I would advise trying to find a flight that complies.
You just email them at petmove@agriculture.gov.ie and they will send you a link to a simple form to fill out with your pet and flight info, scan and send back.
You should try to give them 7-14 days notice. If your flight changes, make sure to update them ASAP. They have your flight#, so will know if it’s cancelled, but still email them and let them know your new schedule.
Local Tip: I will say for Dublin in particular, the national slogan is “It’ll be grand.” Everyone is very easy going and I’ve yet to meet anyone who is out to find errors or reasons to tell you NO. This country loves to be chill and helpful, so don’t be stressy when traveling here! I print out and keep a copy of the confirmation email for the Compliance appointment you receive after submitting your form. Sometimes the airline reps will ask to see it.
Immigration and Customs for pets at the Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport actually has American customs in Ireland, which is unusual (unique?).
The customs agents have never looked at or asked for her paperwork before. They usually just want to give her a pet. So we usually breeze right through. Also, we have Global Entry so this might help. But because it is within their purview to do so, make sure to have the paperwork available.
When you arrive in Dublin, you first go through border control where they check your passport/visa etc. I’ve never been asked about her there before or they’ve never noticed her.
Then proceed to baggage claim. Right by baggage claim there is a sign for the Agriculture department. Usually, the door is open and they are waiting. If not, there is a phone there, just pick it up and it’ll ring the duty supervisor.
While my husband fetches the bags, I check Zoe in.
They scan her chip and check her passport and tapeworm dates. Usually, they make a copy of her docs and then charge you €50. They don’t take American Express.
If your pet has flown cargo, this is the same area they will be delivered to from the plane.
Mostly the process takes a good 10 minutes if everything is in order. If you leave the airport without the Compliance check, you are in trouble – so don’t forget!!
FAQ
Absolutely, Ireland is generally considered a dog-friendly country.
Many Irish people love dogs and there is a significant culture of dog ownership in the country. The cities, towns, and countryside are replete with parks and walking paths, which make for great dog walking areas. Moreover, many pubs and restaurants, especially those in more rural and tourist-heavy areas, allow dogs, particularly in their outdoor seating areas.
In terms of public transportation, dogs are permitted on trains in Ireland, provided they are in a carrier or on a leash. However, rules may vary for buses and trams, with some only allowing small dogs in carriers, while others may not allow dogs at all, except for guide dogs.
You can read more about people’s experiences with their pets in Ireland
You can visit a vet in Ireland and get your pet a passport to travel onto the UK or EU if you like, but do not need one to return to the US.
To get from Europe to the US with a pet, it is quite simple. You just need a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccine with microchip notation.
Do not purchase a pet passport online from the US. Those are not valid for entry into Ireland nor for returning to the US. You can only get an EU Pet Passport in the EU and the entries need to be completed by a vet licensed in the EU.
You can not take your dog from anywhere outside the EU into Ireland without the official government paperwork. This includes rabies vaccine, health certificate, and tapeworm treatment. However, in the US, this document is not called a “pet passport”. If you are traveling within the EU, an official EU Pet Passport is useful.
Yes, dogs are allowed at Dublin Airport, but they must be kept in a secure, airline-approved carrier at all times, unless they’re assistance dogs. For travel, dogs must typically go in the cargo hold, except for small dogs on some airlines and certified assistance dogs. It’s crucial to check with your airline for their specific pet policies before arriving at the airport. Note that for international travel, pets must meet country-specific regulations, which often include official documentation.
Every airline sets its own prices for the cost of flying a pet. If the animal goes in the cabin, expect to pay between $100-$250. If the pet is flying cargo, there are so many variables including the pet’s weight, the airline, and whether a shipping company is used. Charges will easily be over $500 per pet and possibly into the thousands.
In April 2023, Stena Lines Ferry announced they will be providing some pet-friendly cabins on Irish routes.
Final Thoughts: Bringing a Dog to Ireland from the USA
Thanks so much to Jennifer Dundee Reeder for sharing the ins and outs of bringing a dog to Ireland from the USA. Sure, it might seem a tad bit overwhelming at first, but trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Just remember your to-dos: get the right vaccines, don’t forget that tapeworm treatment, and get those necessary documents in order. Oh, and let’s not forget – keep your fur baby comfortable during that long flight. After all, a snoozing pooch equals peaceful travel, right?
Once you’ve got all that sorted, you’re all set for a grand Irish adventure with your best fur friend. So, grab your pooch, pack those bags, and get ready for the Emerald Isle.
Trust me, it’s going to be a blast! And remember, when in doubt, just think “It’ll be grand” – because, really, it will be.
Resource Guide for Travel with a Dog
🧳 What’s the best carrier for my dog when traveling?
You need different carriers for different types of travel
This is my favorite carrier for a small dog – Sleepypod Air
This is my favorite car harness for medium-large dogs – Sleepypod Clickit
This is the best for a large dog on a plane – Skymate Kennel
This is my favorite backpack for a small-medium sized dog – Mr. Penuts Tahoe
You can read more about my review of types of dog carriers for travel here.
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap pet-friendly hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Expedia
Vacation Rentals are often the best option for people with pets VRBO
Stay for free or have someone watch your pet with Trusted Housesitters!
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