BRINGING A DOG FROMThailand to Ireland
Dog · Moving
Bringing a cat instead?No quarantine. Needs microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, animal health certificate, owner's declaration, port of entry, tapeworm treatment and non-commercial limits.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Entry requirements
Rabies antibody titer test in an EU-designated lab, blood taken at least 90 days before the certificate is issued; plus certificate, declaration and travellers' point of entry.
Microchip implanted by a vet; if not ISO-readable, the owner must carry a reader. A clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Microchip implanted by a vet; if not ISO-readable, the owner must carry a reader. A clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted.
before or on the day of the first rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine at ≥12 weeks of age, after the microchip; valid from 21 days after the primary course; boosters within validity. A missed booster restarts the primary course and the titer test.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Rabies vaccine at ≥12 weeks of age, after the microchip; valid from 21 days after the primary course; boosters within validity. A missed booster restarts the primary course and the titer test.
primary vaccination completed at least 21 days before travel
Rabies neutralising antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, on a blood sample taken by an official or authorised vet at least 30 days after the primary vaccination, tested in a laboratory designated for this test (EU official lab or a designated lab in a listed third country). The lab report is attached to the certificate; from 1 January 2028 reports must carry a verification code. No retest needed while boosters are kept on time.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Rabies neutralising antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, on a blood sample taken by an official or authorised vet at least 30 days after the primary vaccination, tested in a laboratory designated for this test (EU official lab or a designated lab in a listed third country). The lab report is attached to the certificate; from 1 January 2028 reports must carry a verification code. No retest needed while boosters are kept on time.
blood sample at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series)
blood sample at least 90 days before the date the animal health certificate is issued (not counted to arrival)
EU animal health certificate (model in Annex III to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705) issued by an official vet, or by an authorised vet and endorsed by the origin competent authority, with the vaccination details and the titer lab report attached.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
EU animal health certificate (model in Annex III to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705) issued by an official vet, or by an authorised vet and endorsed by the origin competent authority, with the vaccination details and the titer lab report attached.
issued or endorsed not more than 10 days before entry into the EU (plus the length of the voyage if by sea)
Signed declaration by the owner (or authorised person) that the movement is non-commercial, on the model in Part 2 of Annex V to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705, attached to the certificate.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Signed declaration by the owner (or authorised person) that the movement is non-commercial, on the model in Part 2 of Annex V to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705, attached to the certificate.
Enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State of arrival (each Member State publishes its own list).
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State of arrival (each Member State publishes its own list).
Only when entering Malta, Finland, Ireland or Northern Ireland. Praziquantel (or equivalent) given by a vet and recorded in the certificate.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Only when entering Malta, Finland, Ireland or Northern Ireland. Praziquantel (or equivalent) given by a vet and recorded in the certificate.
not more than 120 hours and not less than 24 hours before entering the free Member State or zone
At most 5 dogs, cats or ferrets per non-commercial movement (exception for registered events, animals over 6 months); owner travels within 5 days if an authorised person accompanies the pet.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
At most 5 dogs, cats or ferrets per non-commercial movement (exception for registered events, animals over 6 months); owner travels within 5 days if an authorised person accompanies the pet.
- A titer result stays valid as long as rabies boosters are given within the validity of the previous vaccination. — European Commission (EUR-Lex)
- EU-resident pets returning from an unlisted country with an EU passport do not wait 90 days if the titer test was done and recorded before leaving the EU (the rule for returning residents).
- Preparation time 18 weeks: vaccine at ≥12 weeks (day 0) → blood sample from day 30 → certificate no earlier than 90 days after the sample (day ~120) → arrival within 10 days; plus lab turnaround and vet appointments.
No quarantine
Timeline
Working out your dates…
Documents
One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 6 ready.
Official fees
The official pages we researched for this route name no fee. Vet, lab and airline charges are not covered here.
Entry points
Where a pet may enter Ireland, per the rules.
- List as of 2026-09-24The Commission's index of travellers' points of entry (one PDF or link per Member State). Note the page also exempts Norway, which is not in Annex I.Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Travellers' points of entry (index of per-country lists))· checked 24 Sep 2026
- Airports: ORK, DUB, SNNSeaports: Dublin Port, Port of Cork – Ringaskiddy, Rosslare PortList as of 2020-12-10
Breed bans
Add the breed to your link (Edit route) and the checklist refuses a banned type.
- IMPORT AND OWNERSHIP BAN · IrelandXL Bully (a dog that substantially meets the physical conformation standard in Schedule 1 of S.I. No. 491/2024) — and crossesExceptions: non-residents may bring an XL Bully in for at most 30 days in total per year if it holds a certificate of exemption or an equivalent foreign certificate showing microchipping and neutering (Regulation 6(3)); former residents returning with an XL Bully they owned before 1 October 2024 get 3 months after return to obtain a certificate (Regulation 6(1)–(2))Visitors' exception (30 days a year with a certificate).An equivalent certificate is a foreign document stating the dog is microchipped and neutered.Not a ban but a restriction: eleven breeds (and their crosses) must be muzzled and on a lead of at most 2 m held by a person over 16 in public places — American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bandog types.
Airlines
Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines
- Lufthansa LHCabinYesHoldYesSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- Emirates EKCabinNoHoldYesSnub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
- Qantas QFCabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedNot stated
- CabinYesHoldNoSnub-nosedHold, cargo: no
- KLM KLCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no
- Air France AFCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedCargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: restricted
Announced changes
- FROM 01 JAN 2028From 1 January 2028, the laboratory report of the rabies titer test must carry a code that lets its authenticity be checked on the laboratory's website.
Return trip to Thailand
Moderate for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 5 weeks of preparation. No quarantine when the paperwork is in order.
- Import permit — 7+ working days before arrival: In advance: apply to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) of the arrival airport for the notice of import approval (form R.6, called the "import permit") at least 7 working days before arrival — through the DLD e-Movement system or by e-mail (Suvarnabhumi: qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th) with form R1/1, a copy of the owner's passport, a photo of the pet and an English vaccination record showing the microchip number, one PDF per animal. Mandatory in advance for air cargo. The permit is valid 60 days and comes with the health "Requirement" for the exporting country's vet.
- Import permit: On arrival: for hand-carried pets the advance application does not apply — at the discretion of the port veterinarian the owner may apply at the AQS on arrival (Suvarnabhumi "option C") with the complete documents: original endorsed health certificate, original vaccination record or pet passport in English with the microchip number, form R1/1. Not recommended with a short connection; airlines may refuse boarding without a permit issued in advance.
Source:Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station, DLD (opens official site: B. Pet in cabin/Checked baggage — import permit in advance (PDF, created 2023-12-20))· checked 04 Oct 2026+4 more
Questions about Ireland
Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to its source.
01What is a "non-commercial movement"?
It is the movement of a pet accompanying its owner that is not for sale or transfer of ownership. The owner is directly responsible for the pet.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202603How many pets can I bring under the non-commercial rules?
Generally, you can move a maximum of 5 pet animals for non-commercial purposes.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202604Does my pet need to meet EU entry requirements if we are just transiting through an EU airport?
No, if the pet stays in the international transit area and does not enter EU territory. If the pet enters the territory, it must meet EU entry conditions and have an animal health certificate.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202605Who is eligible to get an EU pet passport?
These passports are meant for pets whose owners mainly live in an EU member state. You can obtain one from a veterinarian authorised by the national authority in your EU country.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202606I live outside the EU but own a house there; can I use an EU pet passport?
No. Residence is the deciding factor, not property ownership. You must follow rules for pets entering from a non-EU country, including getting an animal health certificate.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202607Can I use an EU pet passport if I am a resident of Great Britain?
No, EU pet passports for Great Britain residents have been invalid since 31 December 2020. You need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an official vet in Great Britain for every entry.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202608When must microchips include a country code?
For non-commercial moves between EU countries, microchips must have the country code starting 1 January 2028. Pets chipped before 22 April 2026 according to specific rules are exempt.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202609Do I need to bring a microchip reader if my pet is from a non-EU country?
If a pet's microchip from a non-EU country does not meet EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reading device to verify identification upon request.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202610What are the rabies vaccination rules for young pets coming from outside the EU?
Pets from non-EU countries must be vaccinated. They must be at least 12 weeks old at primary vaccination and the movement must occur at least 21 days after the full primary course.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202611When is a rabies antibody test required when transiting through a non-EU country?
A rabies antibody test is not needed if the non-EU country is listed in specific regulations. Otherwise, it is not required if the owner signs a declaration that the pet was confined and had no contact with susceptible animals.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202612Which dogs need tapeworm treatment before entering the EU?
Only dogs require this treatment, not cats. It must be administered by a vet 24–120 hours before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland (UK).
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 2026
What they actually checked at the border
Reports from people who made this trip, read by a person before publishing.
No traveller reports here yet. If you have made this trip, tell the next person what was actually checked at the border.
Share your tripSources
Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 25 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 — animal health requirements for non-commercial movement of pet animals (opens official site)European Commission (EUR-Lex) · used for: microchip, rabies vaccination, animal health certificate, owner's declaration, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-03-27
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692, Annex XXI — rabies antibody titration test; Echinococcus treatment for entry (opens official site)European Commission (EUR-Lex) · used for: rabies antibody (titer) test, tapeworm treatment, notes, this route, announced changes · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-08-12
- Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law), Part VI — non-commercial movements of pet animals (opens official site)European Parliament and Council (EUR-Lex) · used for: port of entry, non-commercial limits, quarantine, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2021-04-21
- Travellers' points of entry (index of per-country lists) (opens official site)European Commission, DG SANTE · used for: entry points, this route · checked 24 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-09-03
- Ireland — list of Travellers' Points of Entry (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine letter to DG SANTE) (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Ireland), hosted by the European Commission · used for: entry points, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2020-12-10
- Ireland — S.I. No. 491/2024, Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 (opens official site)Office of the Attorney General, electronic Irish Statute Book · used for: breed bans · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2024-09-27
- B. Pet in cabin/Checked baggage — import permit in advance (PDF, created 2023-12-20) (opens official site)Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station, DLD · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2023-12-20
- DLD Notification on applying for and issuing licences and the method of importing, exporting or transiting animals or animal carcasses B.E. 2558 (2015) (opens official site)Royal Thai Government Gazette (hosted on the Suvarnabhumi Airport AQS site, DLD) · used for: return trip · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2015-10-16
- DLD citizen's manual — import licence (R.7), phase 1, notice of import approval (R.6) (opens official site)Department of Livestock Development, Division of Animal Quarantine and Inspection (citizen's manual under the Licensing Facilitation Act B.E. 2558) · used for: return trip · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2023-09-26
- Importation of dog and cat (Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station) (opens official site)Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station, DLD · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026
- C. Pet in cabin/Checked baggage — import permit on arrival (PDF, created 2023-09-08) (opens official site)Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station, DLD · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2023-09-08
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