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Once your pets have finally arrived in Ireland, the next step is understanding the Irish pet essentials. Like, what sort of pet insurance is available? And where can your pets stay while you’re on holiday?

Pet ownership in Ireland:

Cat and Dog Vaccinations

Vaccinating your pets is essential to their health and protects them from very contagious fatal diseases. Your vet will provide you with a record of vaccination, showing the vaccines that have been administered to your pet and the dates that their next booster is due. This is an important document so keep it safe.

Dog Vaccinations

Dogs are vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6-9 weeks of age and then again at 10-12 weeks. They will become fully protected two weeks after their second vaccination. Regular ‘booster’ vaccinations are necessary to keep your dog’s immunity levels high enough to protect them against disease throughout their life. Your vet will advise you on how often your pet needs to be vaccinated.

Cat Vaccinations

Cats are vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis (FIE), cat flu, leukaemia virus (FeLV), and chlamydophilosis. Generally, kittens begin vaccinations at 9-10 weeks of age. They will need another vaccination at 12 weeks old. Most kitten vaccines are given as part of a series of injections to stimulate optimum immune response. Thereafter booster vaccinations at regular intervals, as recommended by your vet, are strongly advised to ensure continuing immunity.

A guide to pet ownership in #Ireland #pets
Vaccinating your pet is essential to their health. Image courtesy of Praisaeng at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Dog Ownership Regulations in Ireland

In Ireland local authorities are responsible for dog control under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. Under this act they have the power to seize dogs, impose fines, and take court proceedings against owners. If your dog injures people or livestock then you will be liable, so always ensure that your dog is leashed when you take them out on walks, especially in rural areas.

Dog Licensing in Ireland

All dogs over 4 months of age must have a licence. Puppies aged under 4 months who are still with their mothers don’t need a licence, but once they leave their mothers they must have a licence. Guide dogs are exempt from being licensed. If your dog is going to be staying in Ireland for more than 30 days then it will need to be licensed.

To get your dog licensed, visit your local An Post office.

 Tips

Dog Identification

Your dog must wear a collar that details its name and address. If you do not comply with this regulation, you may be given an on the spot fine. In addition, your dog must be microchipped by a vet and registered on an authorised database by the time they reach 12 weeks of age. If you are planning to relocate your dog to Ireland then having them microchipped is a mandatory requirement for all dogs entering Ireland. Learn more about European pet microchipping.

Dangerous Dogs

When in public, alongside the regulations outlined above, the following breeds of dogs must be muzzled on a two metre leash and be led and controlled by a person over 16 years of age:

  • American pit bull terrier
  • English bull terrier
  • Staffordshire bull terrier
  • Bull mastiff
  • Doberman pinscher
  • German shepherd (Alsatian)
  • Rhodesian ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Japanese akita
  • Japanese tosa
  • Bandog

Dog Fouling

Many areas in Ireland suffer from considerable dog fouling. This problem is caused by apathetic dog owners and the common Irish practice of letting dogs (illegally) roam free. Don’t be surprised to see a well placed dog turd sitting at the foot of a “No dog fouling” sign! There are spot fines that are supposed to be handed out, however, it is a common issue raised in the local news that this regulation is not regularly enforced.

A guide to pet ownership in #Ireland #pets
Ireland’s dog ownership regulations

Pet Insurance

Unfortunately, there is no public health care for animals. When your beloved pet becomes ill or gets injured, you can be faced with veterinary bills that can run into the thousands of euros. Most of us don’t have this kind of money lying around. Pet insurance provides a way of budgeting your pet’s healthcare to enable you to afford the quality treatment they need and deserve.

There are a huge range of pet insurance providers to choose from in Ireland:

Pet Insurance Terminology

Before you start comparing policies, here are some helpful tips and hints to help you understand pet insurance.

Premium

The amount that you pay for your insurance cover. Typically, the more expensive the premium, the more cover that you will receive. However, read the small print as you may end up unnecessarily paying for benefits that you do not need.

Policy Excess

The amount that you pay have to pay each time you make a claim. The excess may be a fixed amount per condition, or a fixed amount plus a percentage of the fees, or just a percentage of the fees. When choosing a policy, you will typically pay a lower premium by accepting a higher policy excess. As pets grow older, many pet insurance companies ask owners to pay a higher policy excess.

Third Party Cover

Many pet insurance companies offer third party liability cover for damage caused by your pet for which you may be legally liable.

Policy Exclusions

Policy exclusions are items that will not be covered by the pet insurance policy. Common exclusions include:

  • Preventive or optional aspects of pet care e.g. vaccinations, neutering and parasite control.
  • Pregnancy and whelping/kittening
  • Behavioural problems.
  • Illnesses that start in the first 2 – 4 weeks of the policy’s commencement date.
  • Home visits by the vet
  • Pre-existing conditions (vets are often asked to submit details of pets’ previous clinical histories to check for these)
  • Working dogs and dogs restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
  • Routine dental treatments
  • Special nutrition, such as “prescription diets”
  • Travelling overseas
  • Complementary treatments, such as hydrotherapy, homoeopathy and acupuncture
  • Euthanasia and cremation

 

Types of Pet Insurance Policies

Lifelong Cover

This cover is the most comprehensive but typically the most expensive. The policy is renewed annually, but any health conditions that your pet has developed during the year continue to be covered for the life of the pet.

Annual Cover

This cover tends to be less expensive, but it is likely to pay out less over your pet’s lifetime. This policy is renewed annually, and only covers a condition for 12 months from its onset. However, after 12 months any condition claimed in the previous year is excluded from the insurance cover.

This type of cover usually provides insurance for one-off accidents or illnesses where your pet is treated and recovers. However, if your pet develops a long term chronic illnesses, the cover may not be enough.

Other Benefits

As well as cover for accidents and illnesses, some insurance companies may provide the following benefits:

  • Boarding kennel or cattery fees: Covers the cost of boarding your pet if you are unable to care for your pet due to being hospitalised from illness or accident.
  • Holiday cancellation: Any travel and accommodation expenses you cannot recover if you have to cancel your holiday because your pet is injured or becomes ill. Or, if you have to cut your holiday short due your pet going missing or becoming injured or ill.
  • Advertising and rewards: The cost of advertising if your pet is stolen or goes missing and the reward you have offered (amount must be agreed with your insurance company).
  • Third party liability and legal costs: If property is damaged, or someone is killed, injured or falls ill as a result of an incident involving your pet.
  • Death from illness or accident: Covers the price that you paid for your pet if it dies or has to be put to sleep because of an illness or accident.
  • Theft or straying: Covers the price that you paid for your pet if it is stolen or goes missing and does not return.

What Happens to the Policy as the Pet Grows Older?

Many pet insurance companies have an age threshold beyond which they will not accept a new policy. But as long as your pet has been insured prior to this age threshold, most companies will continue to offer coverage. However, when this age threshold is reached, you can expect the policy premium and excess to increase. The list of exclusions also typically gets longer, so carefully check your policy conditions when you are renewing it.

Tips
  • Some insurance policies only cover for illness or injury, not accidents. So if you want your pet covered for accidents, check the policy details.
  • Are you covered for emergency after hours care? After hours care is expensive, so if you want your pet covered for this service, check the policy details.
  • Some pet insurance companies offer discounts for purchasing online.
  • Some companies may provide a discount for old aged pensioners. 


Animals on Irish Public Transport

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted to travel on all services free of charge without restriction. Be aware that these service dogs must be wearing their official coat, medallion and lead to identify them as a working dog.

Pets on Irish Buses and Trams

Animals are not allowed on buses and trams (unless of course they are a service dog), however, don’t be surprised if you occasionally see this happen. I have on occasion seen small animals snuck onto trams and buses. It is usually at the driver’s discretion.

Pets on Irish Rail Services

The Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) service is much more flexible.

  • Small dogs may be carried free of charge in the passenger compartment, but they must travel on the owners lap. Unless the dog is in the animal container, it must be kept on a lead at all times.
  • Cats may be carried free of charge in the passenger compartment, but they must travel in a secure carrier on the owner’s lap.
  • Dogs and/or pets in containers found to be occupying a seat are liable to a penalty charge.
  • Animals are not allowed in restaurant cars (with the exception of service dogs).
  • If another passenger objects to the presence of a dog in their carriage, the owner will be requested to move to another part of the train.

If your dog is not a small lap dog, it can still be transported on the Intercity services in a Guards Van (non-passenger compartment) if it is available (not all routes have this compartment available). Charges will apply.

Dogs conveyed in a Guard’s Van must be:

  • Secured with a collar and chain and muzzled.
  • The container must be sufficiently large enough to allow the dog to stand up and lie down with ease and comfort and be adequately ventilated.
  • All dogs must be properly labelled giving the name, address, and destination of the owner.

Learn more about travelling with pets on the Irish Rail website.

Pets in Taxis

Taxis are usually OK about transporting pets as long as they are in a container or you have them restrained and ensure that they sit on a blanket. However, it is at the driver’s discretion as to whether they will take you.

Holidaying in Ireland with Pets

There are a number of accommodation providers in Ireland that allow pets, some of them may charge an additional fee to accommodate them. But there are also many that don’t allow pets, so make sure that you book well in advance and make it clear how many pets you will be bringing, their breed and size so there is no misunderstanding when you turn up.

Tips

Can’t take your pet with you while on holiday? There are lots of quality catteries and boarding kennels in Ireland.

Find a boarding service near you:

23 Responses

  1. Dylan
    | Reply

    I am planning on immigrating to Ireland in the next few years and I have two American Pitbulls I would need to bring over. Both are sterilised and have been trained and up to date vaccinations. I understand there are restrictions but what is the possibility of the acceptability of the “importing” of them?

    • Natalie Wolff
      | Reply

      Hi, I am considering immigration to Ireland in the future. I am a UK passport holder and my Spouse is SA/EU passport holder. We have also got a Pit bull terrier, she is fully trained, chipped etc. I am just sad that she will have to be muzzled in public, but it’s better than being banned blanking like other ignorant countries. Thank you for your information on your site. Very good indeed. I have been to Ireland many times and love it.

  2. Peter
    | Reply

    Hi we have brought a house in Ireland but we intend to go back to England a few times during this process with our dogs .
    Do we have to have a new health certificate every time we come back to Ireland ?
    We know it lasts for 4 months .
    Cheers Pete

  3. Bhassara Zinck
    | Reply

    Hello, I would like to bring my small dog (Pekingese + Shih Tzu, 2.8 kgs) to Ireland to live with my husband’s family and me. Can I sit with her in the cabin? Or do I need to use a cargo service? Thank you very much for your advice?

  4. Romy Murphy
    | Reply

    Hi there I am relocating to Ireland from America and want to know about the exotic animal laws! Is there any place I can see a list of lizards / sakes etc. That are allowed to be kept as pets?

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      I’m not aware of any legislation in Ireland on the ownership of exotic pets, but some species have Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora requirements, and it is against the law to sell or buy them. Please contact Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for further confirmation of this and also refer to my Moving to Ireland with Pets post.

  5. Dee
    | Reply

    Hi, I have an African Grey parrot. What will be the necessary requirements to relocate with my bird?

  6. Kate
    | Reply

    We recently relocated to Ireland from the US and can’t figure out if we need to continue to give Heartworm prevention medication. Also, if yes, where do we get that and what are some brands to look for? In US, it is by prescription only.. we moved just before the COVID-19 lockdown so we don’t have a vet yet.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Kate,
      As I’m not a vet, I can’t advise, but here is some information on the Dogs First website. I’m aware that vet clinics are still operating for essential cases, so I would suggest ringing them to get some advice over the phone.

    • Geraldine Wright
      | Reply

      Kate, we plan on relocating to Ireland sometime this year. How did you transport your pet to Ireland from the US?

  7. Nina Fang
    | Reply

    Hello Colleen,

    I am going to study in Cork in Sep,2020.and I will go with my dog and I am from China.(Flight time 1st,Sep)
    I saw the requires about “pets from high-rish countries” and I understand about it.

    Question 1:
    our local pet hospital told me that If I go to Ireland with dog,my dog needs to be quarantined.I want to double check with you.

    Question 2:
    if I need to send email to pets government in Ireland first?

    Thanks a lot for your help!

  8. Valerie Wild
    | Reply

    Hello, I am wondering how many cats you can own in Ireland and cannot seem to find that out.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      I’m not aware of any laws that specify the number of cats, but if you are renting or in specific kinds of accommodation, then they may impose rules about cat ownership.
      However, you do have a legal duty to protect its welfare, so if animal welfare officers don’t think that you are complying with this law then they could remove them.

  9. Aisling
    | Reply

    Hello! We will be relocating to Ireland (Cork city) from the US in 2023.
    We have 2 cats who have always lived indoors, and we hope to keep them inside after our move as they are not acclimated to traffic. I know from visiting Irish relatives that the practice of keeping indoor-only cats is not common in Ireland, but I cannot imagine allowing cats who will then be 9 years old to start going out just as they are beginning to slow down and feel their age.
    In the US, our windows are screened, which keeps the cats indoors even when we have the windows opened. I don’t recall ever noticing window screens in Irish homes, but perhaps I have not noticed. Are they common? And if not, are window screens easily available if I do want to add a few, so we can get ventilation but keep pets inside?
    Our ideal situation will be to have a small walled back garden that we can enclose over the top to make a “catio” and screen windows in enough spots to get some cross ventilation. Whil we probably won’t tick everything on our wish list, at least the windo screens will be a big help.
    Thank you!

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Aisling,
      Yes, keeping cats indoors is not as common in Ireland. If you are renting, it would be up to the landlord as to whether they will agree to let you install the meshing. You may have to provide some guarantee in your lease agreement that you will remove these when you leave. However, some homes do have the windows with vents that can be opened. They don’t let in as much fresh air as opening the window, but at least provides some ventilation. If you can’t buy the mesh screens in a shop, no doubt you would be able to order them online.

  10. Ruchi Thakur
    | Reply

    Hi , I am looking for some guidance and understanding regarding pet relocation. I have researched a couple of websites for relevant information. We are based out of India , Gurgaon and own a 2 year old German Shepard . He is vaccinated regularly. We are planning to relocate to Ireland in April 2020. There are a few things I need to find out : 1. Is it possible to relocate a German Shepard. 2. Which is the best agency to go to. 3. Procedures/ time frame and financials. 4. Any other requirements. 5. Documents. 6. Any thing else. While we are looking forward to relocate but the thought of leaving my beloved pet brings tears in our eyes. He’s the star of our family. Kindly suggest a way out

  11. Thomas Cooke
    | Reply

    Does Ireland have a problem with Heartsworms infecting dogs through Mosquito bites. I presently live in Houston Texas and my dogs (2) require one tablet per month. The dosage is quite specific by weight. A 25 pound dog has to
    a Heartworm table for 25 to 50 pounds dogs. A tablet for 10 to 24 WILL NOT DO.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Here is some information about Heartworm disease (dirofilariosis) in the Irish Veterinary Journal. (Scroll down as it is quite far down the bottom of the article). It is mostly in southern Europe – the parts that get hot in summer like Spain, Greece and Portugal. But it is not endemic in northern Europe, so not as higher risk in Ireland. However, climate change could affect this.

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