Published by Official Veterinarian (OV) Services • Compliant with DEFRA / APHA
Traveling with your dog from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland involves specific veterinary rules regarding tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis). Unlike travel to France, dogs entering Ireland MUST receive tapeworm treatment BEFORE leaving Great Britain.
1 The Strict 24h to 120h Time Window
Under official EU and Irish Department of Agriculture rules, your dog must be treated for tapeworm by a licensed vet within a strict window prior to arrival in Ireland:
- Earliest Administration: 120 hours (5 full days) before arrival.
- Latest Administration: 24 hours before arrival.
If the treatment is given 23 hours before arrival or 121 hours before arrival, border inspectors will deny entry or require quarantine.
2 Approved Medication Requirement
The treatment must contain an active ingredient officially approved to eliminate Echinococcus multilocularis. The industry standard required by GOV.UK is Praziquantel (or equivalent authorized products).
* Note: Standard over-the-counter flea/worm tablets that do not contain Praziquantel are legally invalid for travel certificates.
3 Vet Signature & Entry on the AHC
The tapeworm administration cannot be self-administered by the pet owner. An Official Veterinarian (OV) or registered UK vet must:
- Administer the medication or witness administration.
- Record the exact date, time (using a 24-hour clock), product name, and manufacturer in Table 4 of the Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
- Sign and stamp the entry officially.
4 Great Return Advantage: No Tapeworm Needed for UK Re-Entry!
One major benefit when traveling directly between Great Britain and Ireland (or Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway) is the **Return Exemption**:
Traveling to Ireland with Your Dog?
We issue official Animal Health Certificates and coordinate tapeworm treatment timing to guarantee smooth ferry or flight travel.
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