Bringing Your Pets to Ireland

If you want to import a dog or cat into Ireland from South Africa, you must have an import licence from the Department of Agriculture and Food. The pet will be required to spend six months in the public quarantine in Ireland. 

There is only one approved public quarantine premises: Lissenhall Quarantine Kennels and Catteries, Lissenhall, Swords, Co Dublin, Tel: +353 1 8900375, Fax: +353 1 8409338. Animals must spend their six-month quarantine here.

The animal must be transported by air to Ireland and land at Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports and be brought on by air to Dublin if necessary. Transport from the airport to the quarantine must be undertaken by the sole authorised carrying agent: Kelly Couriers, 30 Selskar Avenue, Skerries, Co. Dublin. Telephone: +353-1-849 0807 Fax: +353-1-802 9801.

This arrangement is to be undertaken by the owner.

All costs (quarantine, veterinary fees, transport etc.) must be met by the owner. Arrangements for quarantine and transport must be in place before an import licence is granted. The animal may not travel without an import licence.

You should apply for an 'Application for Licence Form' (Form A) and a 'Form of Declaration and Health' (Form B) from the Special Projects Unit of the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Department of Agriculture and Food,
Special Projects Unit,
Floor 4 Centre,
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel: +353-1-607 2827
E-mail: pets@agriculture.gov.ie 
Pets other than cats or dogs
Further information regarding the importation of pets (other than cats/dogs) to Ireland is available from:

Department of Agriculture and Food,
Live Trade Section,
Animal Health and Welfare Division,
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2. 
Tel: +353-1-607 2862
Fax: +353-1-661 9031