Pet Transport from the UK to Ireland

UK to Ireland, France and Spain all require an AHC after Brexit. None require a titre test. None impose quarantine for compliant pets. The process for all three is functionally similar: microchip, rabies vaccination, AHC from an APHA OV, travel.

The Ireland-specific distinction in this table is the tapeworm treatment. While tapeworm treatment is required for dogs entering the UK from EU countries (to prevent Echinococcus infection), Ireland has its own requirement for dogs entering from Great Britain: treatment must be administered 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Ireland. This is an Irish requirement, not an EU-wide rule, and it catches owners off guard when comparing the Ireland route to France or Spain.

The ferry option is unique to Ireland compared to Spain. Ireland Ferries and Stena Line both operate routes from Holyhead to Dublin and from Fishguard to Rosslare, and both accept pets on board (typically in vehicles or designated pet areas). The ferry route removes any need for cargo hold travel and is often the preferred choice for dogs.

The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is the replacement document for the EU Pet Passport in post-Brexit UK. It must be issued by a veterinarian who holds Official Veterinarian (OV) status under APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency). Not all vets are OVs. The OV designation requires additional training and APHA authorisation.

Finding an OV in most UK towns and cities is straightforward. The APHA website has a list of OVs by postcode, or you can call APHA directly. Some veterinary chains have OVs at specific branches. Book the appointment well in advance of your travel date as OV appointment slots can be limited.

The AHC covers the pet’s microchip number, rabies vaccination details, health declaration, and, for dogs, the tapeworm treatment record. The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue for travel to an EU country or Ireland. It is a single-use document: it cannot be used for return journeys or subsequent trips. A new AHC is required for every trip to Ireland.

For dogs travelling from Great Britain to Ireland specifically, the OV must record the tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) on the AHC. The treatment must be given 24 to 120 hours before the dog’s arrival in Ireland, not before departure from the UK. If your ferry crossing takes 4 hours, the treatment must be given between 20 hours and 116 hours before docking in Dublin or Rosslare, not just before you drive onto the ferry.

Most owners travelling from the UK to Ireland with a dog choose the ferry, for a simple reason: your dog stays with you or very close by rather than in a cargo hold. Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line accept pets on their Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare routes. Pets typically travel in the vehicle on the car deck (owner cannot stay with the vehicle during the crossing) or in onboard kennels where available.

The Holyhead to Dublin sailing takes about 3.5 hours on the standard ferry (around 2 hours on the fast craft). Fishguard to Rosslare takes approximately 3.5 hours. Both routes are well-suited to dogs and cats who find cargo travel stressful.

For owners travelling by air, Aer Lingus is the main option. Small pets (typically up to 10 kg including carrier) can travel in the cabin on Aer Lingus services from LHR, MAN, and EDI to Dublin (DUB). Larger dogs travel in the hold or as cargo. Ryanair does not accept pets under any circumstances on any route.

Air travel is faster but removes the option of keeping your dog near you during the journey. For short ferry routes like Holyhead to Dublin, most owners find the extra time on the ferry is worthwhile for the calmer experience it provides for their pet.

AHC costs from an APHA OV run GBP 150-400 depending on your vet and location. Ferry pet fees are GBP 30-50 per pet each way. Aer Lingus cabin fees are EUR 30-50 each way. The total cost for a well-prepared UK to Ireland pet move, including the AHC and transport, is typically GBP 200-500 depending on method chosen.