Information on pet travel to Ireland and UK commencing January 1st 2012

The date of the first rabies vaccination must not precede the date of identification or microchip.

This primary vaccination (i.e. first vaccination following identification) must have been administered at least 21 days before arrival in Ireland or the UK.

Unvaccinated pets less than 3 months of age are not permitted entry.

However it appears that there will be an EU agreement allowing Ireland and the UK to continue Echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment.
Treatment applies to dogs only from Janurary 1st.
Dogs must be treated not more than 120 hours (5 days) and not less than 24 hours (1 day) prior to scheduled arrival time in Ireland or the UK.

For pets travelling from other EU Member States there will no longer be designated points of entry into Ireland. Therefore any Airlines entering Ireland from another EU Member State may choose to carry compliant pets.
There will no longer be a requirement that pets enter only as cargo with an Airway bill or that all pets must be checked at this Department's quarantine facility. Compliant pets also can travel on any ferry into Ireland.

 pets@agriculture.gov.ie