Bringing your dog to Ireland from the USA in 2026 (EU rules + tapeworm)

Last updated: September 6, 2026 — verified against official sources (European Commission, USDA APHIS, UK GOV.UK, US CDC).

Ireland is in the EU but adds one extra requirement for dogs: a tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment administered 24 to 120 hours before arrival — the same rule as the UK. Cats follow the standard EU requirements only. Because of its island status, Ireland is stricter than the mainland, so plan the tapeworm appointment carefully around your flight.

The 5 steps

• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) first — Your pet must be microchipped BEFORE the rabies shot — a vaccination given before the chip does not count.
• Rabies vaccination ≥ 21 days before arrival — The vaccine must be given after the microchip and at least 21 days before entering the EU. It must stay valid on travel day.
• USDA-endorsed EU health certificate ≤ 10 days — A USDA-accredited vet issues the EU health certificate, then USDA APHIS endorses it. Valid 10 days from issue to arrival in the EU.
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs (24–120h before arrival) — Dogs must be treated against tapeworm (Echinococcus) by a vet 24 to 120 hours before arriving in Ireland. Cats are exempt. Mainland EU rules apply for everything else.
• Arrive via an approved EU point of entry — All main EU airports are approved for pets from the USA (Paris CDG, Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, Lisbon…). Dublin (DUB) is the main approved entry point.

Official sources

• European Commission — pet movement: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets_en
• USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• US CDC dog import: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.html
• UK GOV.UK: gov.uk/take-pet-abroad