Under the Importation of Dogs and Cats Order, 1929 - 1970, all dogs and cats originating in countries other than Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, are subject to an import licence and must undergo a period of at least six months' detention and isolation in an approved quarantine premises on arrival in Ireland and be subject to one anti-rabies vaccination during quarantine.

Click here for Import Licence Application Form.

Details for the approved public quarantine premises are as follows:

Lissenhall Quarantine Kennels and Catteries, Lissenhall, Swords, Co Dublin,
Telephone: +353 1 890 0375.
Email: Lissenhallvet@eircom.net
Fax: +353 1 840 9338.
Details of costs and other arrangements can be obtained directly from Lissenhall.

Transportation from the airport to the Public Quarantine is to be undertaken by the sole authorised carrying agent, viz: Kelly Couriers, 30 Selskar Avenue, Skerries, Co. Dublin. Telephone No: +353 1 849 0807 Fax: +353 1 802 9801.

Transportation arrangements must be undertaken by the animal owner.

Other conditions/general points to note:

• It is advisable to make quarantine and transport arrangements at least 3 months before the proposed importation date.

• Please note that the import licence cannot be granted until an assurance in writing is received in this Department from both:
  (i) the Veterinary Surgeon in Charge of the Public Quarantine premises, and
  (ii) Kelly Couriers
  that the necessary arrangements have been made by the importer, and in the case of Private Quarantine that the site, plans and location have been approved by this Department.

• It is an essential condition of import that the import licence must accompany the animal in transit. Accordingly NO arrangements should be made to send the animal to this country until the import licence has been obtained, as landing without it is not permitted.
• The licence must be presented to the appropriate officer of Customs and Excise at Airport of landing.

• Animals must be consigned by air as Manifested Freight for entry at one of the designated airports viz: Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport.

• Animals landed at Cork or Shannon Airports must be transhipped by air to Dublin.

• On receipt of the licence the owner of the animal should notify Kelly Couriers of the time of arrival of the animal at Dublin Airport, in order to co-ordinate the arrangements for the direct transfer of the animal in a nose- and paw-proof container by Kelly Couriers to Lissenhall.

• The owner shall supply the Public Quarantine with an address to which communications about the animal can be directed while it is undergoing detention.

• The quarantine and vaccination fees are matters for settlement between the owner of the animal and the veterinary surgeon in charge of Lissenhall, as are all queries with regard to quarantine costs, visits and arrangements.

• The quarantine and vaccination fees are matters for settlement between the owner of the animal and the veterinary surgeon in charge of Lissenhall, as are all queries with regard to quarantine costs, visits and arrangements.

• The Department reserves the right to extend the period of detention of the animal in quarantine. An outbreak or suspected outbreak of serious animal disease in the quarantine premises may also necessitate the prolongation of the quarantine period.

• Quarantine accommodation is reserved solely for animals which are the property of persons taking up permanent residence in this country.