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How to bring your pets with you when you move to Ireland.

Pets are valued members of our family and it’s important they come with us when we relocate. But there are a number of important steps that you must take in order to get your pets to Ireland safely and smoothly. Below is a detailed guide on what is required to move your pets to Ireland based on the type of pet you have and whether you are coming from an EU or non-EU country. Be aware that some airlines in some countries may require you to use a professional pet relocation service which will increase the cost of their trip. But do shop around, as quotes can vary greatly.

 Important

  • The movement of live animals to and from Ireland is regulated by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Please refer to their website for a full and detailed guide on relocating pets to Ireland.
  • If you pet cat, dog, or ferret is travelling unaccompanied, then follow this guide.
  • You must provide original documentation. Copies will not be accepted.
  • Your pet must arrive in Ireland five days before or after you travel (but it can be accompanied by somebody else).
  • The maximum number of animals that are allowed to travel per person is 5.
  • Although no dog breeds are banned in Ireland, there are restrictions on certain dog breeds.
  • Learn more about the requirements of pet ownership in Ireland.

What You Need to Know in Order to Relocate Your Pets to Ireland

Moving Pets into Ireland from the EU

Cats, Dogs or Ferrets

Your pets may enter any Irish port of entry including airport and ferry terminals.

Your pet must:

  • Be identified by a microchip*
  • Have had a rabies vaccination.
  • Have an EU passport or EU health certificate.
  • Dogs must have been treated for tapeworm.
Compliance Checks

Cats, dogs or ferrets coming from other EU countries may enter Ireland through any port or airport. Spot checks are carried out at the ports and airports and are free of charge. If you don’t follow the rules, or your pet fails the compliance checks, it may be refused entry into Ireland or may be placed into quarantine for the necessary tests or vaccinations at the owner’s expense.

Pet Birds

Pet birds are defined as any species except fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, partridges and ratites which are not being traded commercially.

Pet Rodents and Rabbits

Moving Pets into Ireland from Non-EU Countries

Non-EU countries fall under two categories, those that are considered low risk and those that are considered high risk. To find out which category your country falls under, refer to the list on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food website.

Cats, Dogs or Ferrets

Pets being transported into Ireland from a non-EU country can be brought in under the following conditions:

  • Your pet must be transported in an approved airline/pet cargo carrier.
  • Enter Ireland only via Cork, Dublin or Shannon Airport, or Cork or Rosslare Port.
  • Be identified by a microchip*
  • Have had a rabies vaccination. Those from high risk countries will also need a successful rabies serological test (blood test)
  • Have an EU passport or EU health certificate.
  • Dogs must have been treated for tapeworm.
Compliance Checks

If your pets are travelling from a non-EU country, they must enter Ireland through Cork, Dublin or Shannon Airport, or Cork or Rosslare Port and undergo compliance checks on arrival. It is your responsibility to ensure that your animal undergoes the compliance check and you need to organise these checks prior to your pet landing in Ireland.

An advance notice form must be e-mailed to:

The following information must be provided:

  • Date and time of arrival
  • Airport
  • Name
  • Flight Number
  • Number of animals to be checked
  • Paperwork the pet will be travelling with e.g. EU Pet Passport or EU (Annex IV) Health Certificate.

There is a fee for compliance checks and they may be performed at the port or airport of arrival or at the quarantine facility at Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital located approximately 10km from Dublin airport.

Pet Birds

Pet birds are defined as any species except fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, partridges and ratites which is not being traded commercially.

You must complete the application form for an import permit and submit it to livetrade.@agriculture.gov.ie within sufficient time to enable the pre-export requirements to be completed.

The bird must:

  • Travel either with its owner or the owner’s representative.
  • Be transported in an approved airline/pet cargo carrier.
  • Be individually identified.
  • Be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate signed by an official veterinarian to confirm compliance with the pre-export requirements.
  • Be accompanied by a declaration signed by the owner/person representing the owner in the form contained at Annex 111 to in Commission Decision 2007/25/EC as amended.
  • Be imported through either Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport
  • Have within the last six months and not later than 60 days prior to departing from the third country, been vaccinated, and at least on one occasion re-vaccinated, against avian influenza using an H5 vaccine approved for the species concerned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or
  • Have been in isolation for at least 10 days prior to export and have undergone a test to detect the avian influenza H5N1 antigen or genome, carried out on a sample taken not earlier than the third day of isolation.
  • Compliance with the above conditions shall be certified by an official veterinarian in the non-EU country of dispatch in accordance with the model certificate provided in Annex II must be completed.

Pet Rodents and Rabbits

  • If you wish to import your rodent or rabbit, you need to complete and submit an Application to Import pet rabbit or rodent into Ireland from a non-EU country to livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie at least 2 months before you travel. This allows sufficient time to enable the pre-export requirements to be completed.
  • The pet must be accompanied with a licence issued by the Animal Health and Welfare Division of the Department. The licence sets out the requirements for import which include a veterinary health certificate.
  • You must email a completed Advance Notice Pet Rodent or Pet Rabbit form to livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie at least one working day before the arrival time of your pet in Ireland.
  • Your rodent or rabbit must be transported in a container which complies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations.
  • For a non-domestic rodent or rabbit being kept as a pet, the owner is responsible for checking with the Parks and Wildlife section of the Department of the Environment as to whether a CITES licence is required to import such an animal. Enquiries to: livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie

* European Pet Microchipping

The microchip must be a transponder readable by a device compatible with ISO standard 11785. If your pet has a different type of microchip, your vet can remove it and replace it with an EU compatible chip.

Tips

  • Don’t forget to update your personal contact details contained on the microchip when you relocate.

Moving to Ireland with pets

Travelling with a Recognised Assistance Dog

The rules outlined in this article apply similarly to those travelling with the aid of assistance dogs, however, there is no charge for compliance checks on guide dogs. If you are travelling from a non-EU country, you must provide your advance notice form of your intention to bring your service dog into Ireland, at least 24 hours before your departure time.

Quarantine Requirements

If you are fully compliant with the regulations, then your pet will not need to be quarantined. Compliance checks will be carried out following your pets arrival in Ireland. Once these checks have been carried out, your pet will be released to you.

 Important

If you do not comply with the regulations, then your pet will either be:

  • Returned to the country it came from at your expense or
  • Placed into quarantine for the necessary length of time for the animal to meet the health requirements. This is done at the expense of the owner.

The Sedation of Animals for Air Travel

Although animals may be excitable on the way to the airport and prior to loading, research has shown that they usually revert to a resting state in their dark, closed cargo hold and subsequently sedatives may have an excessive effect. Pets travelling by air frequently need veterinary care to recover from the effects of sedation and unfortunately many pets have even died from over sedation.

Some animals can react abnormally from sedation. In addition, the physiological changes from sedatives may be enhanced due to the air pressure inside the aircraft. Increased altitude can also create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats that are sedated or tranquilized. Pug or snub nosed dogs and cats are especially affected.

Sedation can also affect an animal’s natural ability to maintain their balance and equilibrium. When the travel container is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury.

The Alternative to Sedating Your Pets for Air Travel

Veterinarians suggest pre-conditioning your pet to its travel container instead of sedating. You should do this as far in advance of your trip as possible. Let your pet get to know the travel container that you will be using by leaving it open with a treat or familiar object inside e.g. a favourite toy. This will encourage your pet to spend time in it. Your aim is to make your pet as relaxed as possible in the container so that their trip is more comfortable.

You can also try natural alternatives such as pet pheromones which are a popular with anxious pets. Calming spray for dogs and for cats is available and can be wiped around the inside of the pet crate to help soothe them throughout their journey. Calming dog chews are also a great way to relax and distract dogs whilst travelling.

Travelling with Snub Nosed Pets

Snub nosed/short nosed dog and cat breeds are more prone to respiratory problems during air travel. Consult with your vet before transporting a snub nosed animal. Be aware that many airlines won’t transport these type of dogs.

Alternatives to Flying Your Pet in the Hold

If you are concerned about cost, or your pets ability to cope with a long flight in the hold, there are some alternatives to consider. For small pets, some airlines such as Air France will allow you to transport them in the cabin. This can actually work out cheaper than flying them in the hold.

An alternative to flying your pet is to travel on a cruise ship which provides a kennel service. This may require you to travel to another part of the EU before travelling on to Ireland. For example, you can get from New York to Europe on the Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 cruise ship. This option of course takes much longer than flying, but combines the practicalities of travel with an enjoyable holiday. It’s also a great option for people who don’t like to fly.

Although your pet will be required to stay in the ships kennel, you can visit them during your journey. Most ships also provide a dog walking area. Be aware that due to size, some breeds cannot be accommodated. Your carrier of choice will be able to provide you more detail on their restrictions.

When arriving in the EU, you will need to satisfy the requirements of the country that you are entering. Be aware that some countries may ban certain breeds that they consider ‘dangerous’. Consequently, boats entering these countries will not allow these breeds on board.

Essential Pet Travel Items

Being prepared and having the correct equipment is essential for travelling with pets, you will need the following:

  • These Petmate Airline Cargo Crates come in a range of sizes and colours. They are sturdy and good quality, making them a popular choice amongst pet owners.
  • You will need to ensure that you fit two bowls into the crate to supply your pet with food and water. These stainless steel bowls come in a range of sizes to suit all types of pets, and securely fasten to the crate door. These bowls are super sturdy, so won’t crack and split like plastic ones.
  • Water bottles are an excellent alternative to bowls which can easily spill. This pet crate water bottle fits securely to the crate door to provide your pet with refreshment during their journey. If your pet has not used these before, then you will need to train them to use it prior to their journey. For dogs, smear some peanut butter on the nozzle, for cats (which we all know are not as easy to please), try their favourite food.
  • These extra large pet pee pads are super absorbent and essential for lining your pets crate to keep them dry and comfortable throughout their journey.
  • Pet pheromones are a popular with anxious pets. Calming spray for dogs and for cats is available and can be wiped around the inside of the pet crate to help soothe them throughout their journey.
  • Calming dog chews are also a great way to relax and distract dogs whilst travelling.
  • If you have a small pet that is able to travel in cabin, these In Cabin Pet Airline Travel Accessory Kits provide all the essential equipment that you will need, including a meal on the Go Travel Pouch, two collapsible bowls for food and water, temporary pet ID tag, pet carrier name tag, dry food and document storage pouches, and TSA Fast Pass® leash and harness. They come in a range of colours and three harness sizes.

Arriving in Ireland with Pets

There are a number of accommodation providers in Ireland that allow pets, but some of them may charge an additional fee to accommodate them. 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

Further Reading

Keen to gain more information and knowledge about travelling with your pet? Try these books:

53 Responses

  1. Seth
    | Reply

    How many or what’s the maximum weight of pet fish I am allowed to bring into Ireland? I’m a local south african fish breeder and wondering if I can continue my business in Ireland?

  2. Beth
    | Reply

    We are relocating to Ireland later this year (2023) and plan on bring our 5 cats with us.
    We already have a property there so that’s not an issue.
    My cats are of various ages and I’m not comfortable about putting them through the cargo waiting time / being in the hold and then the delay on the other side. So I’m thinking of using the Stena Ferry which now have pet friendly cabins.
    Has anyone used this service ?
    Do you what would be expected prior to boarding in Fishguard and arriving in Rosslare ?
    I know about the vaccinations and the health checks with my vet.

    Many thanks
    Beth

    • bronagh gaffney
      | Reply

      Hi Beth im relocating to Ireland this summer or before that, im trying to bring 4 cats with me, im wondering how far along you have gotten with your plans..it is so complicated because 4 is a lot..to make it more complicated I rescued the 4 of them from the streets. im thinking of going by ship as I don’t want them in cargo. many airlines only allow 1 pet per passenger and im traveling alone. Please let me know if you have made any progress.. Thankyou

  3. Jennifer
    | Reply

    Sorry, I am a little confused. Can I not arrive at the same time as my cats? For instance, could we all arrive together on the same flight? I saw something about pets having to arrive five days prior or five days after my arrival and it confused me. Thanks for the help.

  4. Jane D.
    | Reply

    Hi!

    First off, I wanted to thank you for the guide, it’s really helpful when it comes to relocating with my dog. However I have several amphibians (poison dart frogs and axolotls), fish (tropical aquaria) and a mourning gecko that I would like to keep with me as well. Do you have any information about that? Or an idea where I could find the information?

    Kind regards,
    Jane

  5. orlagh
    | Reply

    Hi

    I am trying to find best way to get my large dog 30kg from Malaga to Dublin.
    Any suggestions please.

  6. Donal
    | Reply

    Hi,

    I am bring my dog from Brazil, I will arrive a month before the dog, above you say Your pet must arrive in Ireland five days before or after you travel (but it can be accompanied by somebody else).

    Do you know a company that can accompany he dog or does the dog have to go by cargo?

    Regards

    • Win
      | Reply

      Hi. Did you get your cat after 1 month? I have the same situation and I’m seeking an answer. Planning to get my cat after a month or two. Thanks!

  7. Ronel
    | Reply

    I’m looking for the cheapest option to get my 2 cats to Ireland from South Africa in about a years time? Any suggestions?

    • Lynda
      | Reply

      Hi, I was wondering if you ever got a response to your question about bringing your pug to Ireland from Florida?

  9. Julie
    | Reply

    Hi everyone, there’s so great info above about cats but im wondering if anyone has info on dogs. Im moving home to ireland from Canada and I have a 5 year old french bulldog. He is microchipped always fully vaccinated, had an operation on his nose as a pup to help with his breathing and a healthy weight. I read horror stories of his breed dying in the hold so I will want to take him on the flight, even if I need to pay for a seat for him. My concern is a quarantine period when we arrive. From what im reading if we do everything g right, he can come home the same day with us, correct? Any info would be greatly appreciated as he has severe separation anxiety and being without us cant be an option.

  10. Deirdre
    | Reply

    Hello,
    Thank you for all of the detail! It’s very hard getting information!
    I am returning from Thailand with my cat. We are flying from Bangkok to Amsterdam and to Cork with KLM. There is a short transit time in Amsterdam and so KLM will transfer her from one hold to the other. She will not have a vet check in Amsterdam as a result.
    I believe that I need to have a vet meet us at Cork airport? Do you know of a vet who will do that please? We are arriving late at 10pm in July.
    Thank you!

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Please refer to the ‘Compliance checks’ section of this post which provides the email address you need to contact to arrange the checks for Cork airport.

  11. Helen
    | Reply

    I want to take my pet guinea hen back to Ireland when I move home in a few months has anyone out there any advice / info on this. Any help welcome.

  12. Shea
    | Reply

    Hello,

    Can you clarify the statements in the ‘Moving Pets into Ireland from Non-EU Countries’ section.
    In the “Cats, Dogs or Ferrets” section it states:-
    “Pets being transported into Ireland from a non-EU country can be brought in under the following conditions:-
    – Enter Ireland only via Dublin Airport.”

    Yet in the next paragraph under “Compliance Checks” it states:-
    “If your pets are travelling from a non-EU country, they must enter Ireland through Cork, Dublin or Shannon Airport, or Cork or Rosslare Port and undergo compliance checks on arrival.”

    Is it Dublin Airport only or any of the ports in the Compliance Check paragraph?

    Thanks

  13. Andrea
    | Reply

    Do you have any resources for finding pet friendly apartments for rent? None of the apartment rental sites seem to list or allow search by pets allowed or not. Does that mean that they are just accepted? How do I know where my cat will be allowed to live? Thanks!

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Andrea,
      I don’t know if any resources, but others who see your comment might.
      You might be best to discuss this with rental agents directly who will be able to advise what properties/landlords are flexible on pets.
      In areas of high demand, they seem to be less flexible, but areas in low demand they seem to be more willing to consider it – that is just anecdotal from friends.

  14. pam Percival
    | Reply

    Does anyone know the general cost of shipping a dog as cargo from the U.S. to Ireland on a regular carrier like American or Delta?

    • Chris W
      | Reply

      Pam I just moved 2 cats to Ireland this week. When I checked the US carriers they said they are not transporting pets at this time. Aer Lingus took my cats via IAG Cargo on a flight nonstop Chicago to Dublin. I was on same flight, but had to check the cats in through the pet desk email Aer Lingus has on their website 2 weeks prior. They were microchipped and vaccinated 6 weeks prior to flying, and within 10 days had a checkup at the local vet and papers were done by our vet through APHIS so they could get USDA vet endorsements. Aer Lingus won’t take pets on flights longer than 9 hours so we had to drive 4 hours in a rental car to Chicago. And you can only fly into Dublin.

      Total cost was about $2,200 total for 2 cats:

      Microchip and vaccinations $75
      Vet paperwork $250
      USDA endorsement $56 with papers sent overnight
      Hotel in Chicago overnight cat fee $150
      IAG Cargo fee $1262
      Lissenhall vet in Swords compliance check €305

      Cats were released at Lissenhall 3 hours after arrival (arrived 05:30 picked up at 08:30)

      You can check other carriers like Air France and Lufthansa but they don’t have direct flights to Dublin. They might take pets as excess luggage but you would need to coordinate with a plain change. For us we saved on the airfare for ourselves enough to cover a large portion of the pet fees.

      Hope that helps!

      • Karen
        | Reply

        Chris, that was great and detailed information, very helpful. I am moving back home to Ireland next June, I want to bring my cats with me, so I have just a few questions for you if you don’t mind and when you have time. I was wondering how your cats did on the flight? Did you sedate them? What age are your cats?
        My two cats are sixteen and I’m worried about the stress of the flight for them.

        • Leone Collins
          | Reply

          Hi Karen – I was wondering how the transport of your 2 cats went – may be planning the same journey myself. worried about conditions in the hold – noise, and temperature.

      • Vicki Wallshein
        | Reply

        Hi Chris

        Did your cats have to go in the hold? As long as all the medical paperwork is in order, do I understand that my cats would NOT have to be quarantined when they arrive?? Thanks !

  15. Taryn
    | Reply

    Good day,
    I didn’t see anything mentioned about Sugar Gliders, are the legal in Ireland? How do I get my Sugar Gliders to Ireland? Please advise me, as Sugar Gliders bond to a specific person, so they won’t be able to be rehomed at all. Thank you.

  16. Jennifer Alatorre
    | Reply

    I’m at my wit’s end, I can’t find any information about sugar gliders. They’re not on any banned lists I’ve found, but I’m unsure about what needs done.

  17. Allannah Pilkington
    | Reply

    Good day.

    There is no mention of reptiles. Does this mean that no reptile would be allowed to enter? We have a Veiled chameleon and are looking at immigrating at some point.

    Thank you.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Allannah Pilkington,
      Yes the information on importing a reptile is rather scarce I’m afraid. I suggest you contact the Department Agriculture, Food and Marine using their contact form. I also suggest joining the Irish Reptile Community Facebook group as the members are likely to be able to provide you further information or at least point you in the right direction. You would also need to establish whether it was legal to keep it as a pet in Ireland.

  18. Agnes
    | Reply

    Hello. We are moving to Ireland at the end of July from Germany/Austria. We will fly from Munich airport. We have a 30kg labmix, and he flied before with Lufthansa (Barcelona->Munich) without a problem. He was in the cargo area of the plane we took. However now we are facing difficulties. Both Lufthansa and Aer Lingus are denying our dog and they our the only options for us to travel. Lufthansa saying because of special Irish restrictions?? I don´t understand, my dog has an EU passport and everything required for travel. Why can´t he come on the same plane with us in the cargo area? To add further stress, Lufthansa said it is allowed to take a dog to Ireland a few weeks ago. But yesterday as we were about to book our ticket, we called again and they said Ireland has special restrictions?! This all doesn´t make sense as we are coming from the EU. Now they are saying we have to use a pet relocator service, and that is the only way to take our dog via plane to Ireland. This means he will be in a non passenger cargo plane, flying different time then us. I have looked at DAFM´s website, Dublin airport´s website and read a million articles. Not once mentions that you MUST use a pet relocator service to be able to enter Ireland via air. So we are very confused and stressed, our dog is our best friend. Do you have any tips Colleen? Have you heard of such restrictions? Why are they trying to force us to use a relocator service? Thanks in advance, Agnes

    • Agnes
      | Reply

      I forgot to mention, we are trying to fly from Munich to Dublin. We are relocating to Ireland (Cork)

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Agnes,
      I’m not aware of the special restrictions they are referring to. I suggest contacting DAFM directly using their contact form or phoning them to seek clarification. You are welcome to provide updates on here for others who may face similar challenges.

      • Agnes
        | Reply

        Hello Colleen,
        Thanks for the feedback and the super informative website 🙂 I have been reading up on everything, preparing ourselves for the move.
        I give a little update on our situation. We have spoken to Dublin airport, and they told us that whatever the airline says is true. They said it is the airline´s decision though. So our dog will have to be sent with a pet relocator / pet shipper as a manifested cargo. Lufthansa and AirLingus are the only companies we can take our dog with from Germany, both require a pet shipper. It´s interesting, because the airlines say that it´s Ireland´s decision to only accept pets as manifested cargo. However Dublin airport says the opposite. Definitely a confusing situation.
        We have contacted Gradlyn (pet shipper), and they said he is only allowed to travel as a manifested cargo to Ireland organised by companies like them. They insist it is an Irish rule, a rule I can´t find anything about online. Contacted other companies also, they said the same.
        The cost from Munich to Dublin will be around 1700 euros (including travel crate). My dog is a labmix, 33kgs. He will be in the cargo hold of the same plane we will be flying with.

        • Colleen
          | Reply

          Hi Agnes,
          Thanks for providing further information for other readers. I hate to say it, but this is typical of Irish administration!

          That is certainly a steep price to fly your dog to Dublin. Have you thought about transporting him by land?

        • Pia Cunnane
          | Reply

          Hello ,Trying to get my dog from Tenerife to lreland .We have to re locate 🙆

    • Ivan
      | Reply

      Hi,

      I’m experiencing a similar situation with FinnAir. They said it’s Irish authorities who don’t allow dogs arriving as checked-in baggage (in the hold) to Dublin, but I didn’t see any information concerning this before, so it was a surprise. At the same time, the website of the Dublin airport only states that only pets departing from there can’t go in the hold, and no restrictions on arrivals…

      And I even asked them about this before booking the ticket, and they didn’t tell me there would be such problems.

      (Just wanted to share this information, so that people are extremely careful when planning such journeys.)

  19. Betty
    | Reply

    Does anyone know how long the Compliance Checks take? I didn’t know if I would have to leave the dog or if it’s only a couple of hours.

    • Mairead
      | Reply

      Hi Betty I have the same question. I’m wondering how long the compliance checks take. I was also wondering if the vetinary medical is within 5 or 10 days of traveling. Thanks so much Mairead

      medical

  20. Tom
    | Reply

    Hi,
    I’m trying to find a way to take my English bulldog from Boston to Ireland. I’m at a loss here because any airlines I’ve contacted don’t accept snub nosed breeds.
    Does anyone know how I can make this happen?
    Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Tom,
      Yes unfortunately they won’t want to take the risk. Did you see about the cruise ship option in the latter part of this post? There is also a video I’ve included of someone who took their dog on the Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 cruise ship from New York to Europe. Then you can take another ship to Ireland.

      • Catherine
        | Reply

        I read the QE2 boat is a great option. However you need to book 12-18 months in advance. And the kennel space is limited and sells out fast.

  21. Marie
    | Reply

    I am also returning from the USA to Ireland, researched and it seems Air France is the only option to bring your small pet in cabin, no direct flights into Dublin, short layover in Paris. Wishing you all the best with your furry family.

  22. Josie
    | Reply

    Hello, I am relocating with my cat to Dublin(from USA). I want to bring him in the cabin with me, but I’m finding that the two airlines I thought might do it (Lufthansa and Air France) might not. Well I spent over five hours with Lufthansa buying the ticket after being assured it was fine, only to find out they couldn’t do it bc they said Ireland has a travel restriction that doesn’t allow them to ride in cabin only in cargo area. So I had to cancel the ticket. Air France told me to book first and then they will check and it takes 48 hours to find out but after my last experience I’m not sure I want to try. What do you think? I’m very distressed .

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      I am not aware of any airlines that will allow you to go from the USA to Ireland with your cat in the cabin. However, on this page I have included a Youtube video of someone that got to Ireland from New York to Europe on the Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 cruise ship.

    • Rhona
      | Reply

      Josie,

      We are going to ireland for a few months and looking at options too. I think it may be possible to fly to Germany or France with the pet in cabin, and from there to Ireland with the pet in cabin. The airlines don’t make it clear when you’re booking that Ireland does not allow direct transatlantic flights with animals in the cabin, unless they are service animals and they have strict guidelines for what that means (ESA do not count.Absolutely ridiculous, but there it is.

      I wish you and your cat the best of luck getting there and enjoying your time in Ireland!

      Rhona

    • Yvonne
      | Reply

      Hi Josie,
      were you able to find a way to bring your cat in the cabin with you to Ireland? Our family will also relocate to Dublin (from CA) and we are researching ways to bring our cats.

      • Jes
        | Reply

        Hi there,
        We are having similar issues. We are looking into taking an Air France flight to Paris, and then taking a ferry from the coast of France to Cork. However, having a way to get them into Ireland on the plane in the cabin with us would be much nicer. Have any of you had any luck yet?

      • Andrea
        | Reply

        Hey,
        Also curious if you were able to resolve this. I’m in the US and looking for a way to move my cat to Ireland and need to fly him in the cabin. The cruise ship won’t work as he would be in the hold all that time. I was also looking at the option of flying into Paris and then taking the ferry over, but that will be a long trip for him. If you found an alternative I’d love to hear about it!

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