More than 600 pets brought to Ireland from Ukraine since Russian invasion

More than 600 pets have been brought to Ireland from Ukraine with their owners since the Russian invasion began two months ago.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has said Ireland will continue to operate an “open-door policy” to the people of Ukraine and their pets.

Special arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the movement of noncommercial pets with their owners from Ukraine and for EU citizens currently in Russia wishing to return to the EU with their pets in emergency circumstances. These pets are allowed to travel with their owners even if the pet is noncompliant for entry into the EU or missing documentation.

More than 95 per cent of pets coming to Ireland are either cats or dogs with the remainder being smaller household pets.

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To date, 333 dogs and 285 cats have accompanied their owners from Ukraine. The work of processing the pets’ arrival into Ireland and ensuring all health standards are maintained has been organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The department said that to ensure disease risks are eliminated, a person travelling with a pet must prenotify them and bring as much paperwork on the pet as possible.

A period of quarantine is required which is currently allowed in the location the person is staying.

All pets undergo a veterinary assessment at the point of arrival and where necessary the department arranges for microchipping, tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination.

Pet owners are provided with information translated into Ukrainian on how to manage their pet in home isolation. Staff at the department then follow up with pet owners to advise them on the necessary requirements to bring these pets into compliance with EU Pet Travel regulations.

Mr McConalogue said the State recognised quickly the need to “ensure that people can move to Ireland and set up a new life with as little stress as possible”.

“That is why we have taken a leadership role in allowing those arriving here to bring their pets once they follow a few simple steps to reduce the risk of any disease coming into Ireland,” he said.

“Pets play a huge role in the lives of so many people. They’re friends and companions and I was keen to ensure pets could travel with their owners.”