Europe
Pet travel to Shannon
DAFM inspection at Shannon Airport — gateway to the west of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
Non-commercial EU Health Certificate (Annex IV) — USDA APHIS-endorsed (USA) or CFIA-endorsed (Canada)
- 2
ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit) implanted before rabies vaccination — the sequence is a legal requirement
- 3
Rabies vaccination — minimum 21-day wait after primary vaccination before entry
- 4
Tapeworm treatment for dogs only — praziquantel administered by a vet 24–120 hours before scheduled arrival
These are the official entry rules for Ireland.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for Ireland.
Shannon Airport (SNN) — DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) veterinary inspection is required for all non-EU pets entering Ireland. We coordinate DAFM pre-notification and border inspection scheduling. Ireland is an EU member but retains its own tapeworm protocol.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Shannon.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Shannon.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Shannon.
Shannon Airport (SNN) has transatlantic pre-clearance US Customs facilities and direct flights from New York, Boston, and Chicago. However, pets from outside the EU must clear DAFM at Dublin. We route pets through DUB and arrange a 2-hour drive to Shannon/Limerick.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
21–35 days
Ready to travel to Shannon?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Shannon.
Carrygerry Country House
Carrygerry Country House allows dogs of any size for no additional fee. Sorry, no cats.
VRBO Shannon
Pet policies are determined by the individual owner of each Vrbo property. For more information on the pet fee, weight limit and other restrictions
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Shannon.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Shannon. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Shannon with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
Bus Éireann connects Shannon Airport to Limerick and Ennis. Small dogs in carriers are permitted at driver's discretion; the surrounding county requires a car for meaningful exploration.
Private Cars
Shannon and its surroundings are car-dependent. We arrange private transfers from SNN to Dromoland, Limerick, and the Clare coast. All vehicles confirmed pet-friendly; SUVs available for large breeds.
On Foot
Shannon town itself is walkable; for meaningful dog walking the surrounding countryside is unmatched. We provide trail guides for the Burren, Loophead Peninsula, and riverside towpaths.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Shannon, with your dog.
Every pet's travel style is different. Contact our team for customised local intelligence and pet-friendly recommendations for Shannon.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
Shannon Vale Veterinary Clinic
Shannon Town Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare
2 km from Shannon Airport
Mon–Fri 8:30–18:30, emergency line 24/7
Export Clinic
Ennis Veterinary Clinic
Clonroad Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare
16 km from Shannon Airport
Mon–Fri 8:30–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00
Boarding & Daycare
Limerick Pet Hotel
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Shannon.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Shannon.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Shannon: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Shannon and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Shannon.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
