Travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog
European rules:
Under regulation EC 1107/2006 (Rights of Disabled People when Travelling by Air), European airports must provide assistance for persons with a disability from the moment they enter the airport, whether they are departing or arriving. This assistance must be adapted according to the mobility of the person benefiting from it and will ensure that passengers with disabilities are able to use airport infrastructure in the same way as any other passenger.
Similarly, airlines must provide assistance to persons with reduced mobility on board the flight.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel with their owner in the air cabin with their owner (free if charge) provided the air carrier or its agent or the tour operator has been notified in accordance with applicable national rules.
National rules:
Ireland is free of rabies. Consequently, there are no restrictions on guide dogs or assistance dogs travelling between Ireland and the UK; or on dogs leaving Ireland.
In order to remain rabies free, there are some restrictions on guide dogs, assistance dogs and pets (i.e. dogs, cats and ferrets) travelling in to Ireland from countries other than the UK. However, since 2004 pets, guide dogs and assistance dogs can now travel in to Ireland without having to go through quarantine. This is permissible under the EU Pet Passport Scheme.
EU Pet Passport
The passport is a document which guide dog owners and assistance dog owners may use to show their guide dog or assistance dog:
- is travelling from an eligible country
- has been appropriately micro-chipped
- has been vaccinated against rabies
- has been successfully blood-tested for antibodies at least six months before entry into Ireland
- has been correctly treated for tick and tapeworm 24 to 48 hours before entry in to Ireland
Under the scheme, certain countries (EU and non-EU), transport companies and destinations are approved. For instance, certain airlines en route to an approved airport are sanctioned to accept guide dogs or assistance dogs. Similar rules apply when travelling in to Ireland by ferry.
Travel to and from a non-EU country:
Guide dog owners and assistance dog owners resident in Ireland who wish to visit an eligible non-EU country, may utilise the EU Pet Passport to travel directly back in to Ireland.
Guide dog owners and assistance dog owners who reside in a non-EU country and wish to visit Ireland nay do so using a Veterinary Certificate. The Veterinary Certificate must be accompanied by the following supporting documentation.
- rabies vaccination certificate with microchip number
- blood test results issued by an approved laboratory with microchip number
Prior Approval Scheme
In some instances the Department of Agriculture will approve the carriage of a guide dog on an unapproved carrier, from an eligible country, under a system known as the Prior Approval Scheme.
Checks
Your pet's identification and all of the passport/certificate details will be checked by your carrier, e.g. airline or ferry company. In the case of ferry travel, these checks will take place in France, before embarkation. Airlines will do their checks at destination in the Irish airport. The guide dog, assistance dog or pet is allowed enter in to Ireland without risk of quarantine, once the carrier establishes the guide dog or assistance dog or pet complies with all of the conditions of the pet passport system.
Guide dog owners and assistance dog owners are responsible for ensuring all conditions are met.
Exemptions
The Department of Agriculture has some exemptions in place to facilitate guide dog owners or assistance dog owners traveling in to Ireland. They are as follows:
(i) The guide dog or assistance dog may land in any airport in Ireland
(ii) The guide dog or assistance dog does not have to travel as cargo (manifested freight) (iii) The check will be done on arrival, free of charge, in the airport
For further information you may contact the Animal Health and Welfare Office in the Department of Agriculture on:
Pet Passport Helpline Phone: +353-1-607-2827 or 1890 504 604
Pet Passport Fax: +353-1-607-2843
Email: pets@agriculture.gov.ie
Website: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets
