Fly a Shih Tzu from USA to Ireland on Delta Air Lines
Step-by-step veterinary timeline and airline rules for flying a Shih Tzu from United States (Controlled/Low-Risk) to Ireland under DAFM (Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine). Pre-filled in the calculator below—set your flight date to see your exact paperwork schedule.
Enter Your Trip & Pet Details
Choose your origin, destination, airline, breed, and target flight date to get every vet step in reverse order.
Min: 22d • Ideal: 40d
Feasible Timeline: 60 days available (22 days strict minimum)
Starting today gives you sufficient runway to complete Ireland's veterinary sequence, government endorsement via USDA APHIS (VEHCS), and Delta Air Lines pet booking.
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Alert: Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is classified as a Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) under cargo stress and heat. Delta Air Lines enforces a strict cargo/hold embargo on Shih Tzus.
At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for Delta Air Lines passenger cabin travel in a ventilated carrier up to 45 x 28 x 28 cm. Reserve cabin pet quota at least 14 days ahead.
Step-by-Step Vet & Travel Schedule
Counting backward from USA (US) Ireland (IE) arrival.
📅 On or before Wed, Dec 9, 2026
Implant or scan-verify a non-encrypted ISO 11784/11785 15-digit. Any rabies vaccination administered BEFORE the microchip implantation date is legally invalid for Ireland.
⚠️ Ensure the exact 15-digit barcode sticker is affixed to all vaccination and health certificates.
📅 No later than Thu, Dec 10, 2026
Administer WHO/WOAH-approved inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine (pet must be >= 12 weeks old). Triggers 21-day primary immunity wait required by DAFM (Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine).
⚠️ Record vaccine manufacturer, product name, batch/lot number, administration date, and valid-until date.
Unlock Full Compliance Packet ($29)
See your exact hour-by-hour tapeworm treatment window, USDA APHIS (VEHCS) endorsement cutoff, Printable Vet Sign-Off PDF, and Apple/Google .ics Calendar Sync with 48-hour alerts.
- Exact 24–120h tapeworm and parasite treatment times
- Printable Vet Sign-Off & 15-Digit Microchip PDF Packet
- One-click .ics Calendar Sync with 48h advance reminders
One-time checkout via PayPal or card • Instant PDF & .ics download
Confirm requirements with a government-accredited vet before travel.
Side-by-Side Route, Customs & Airline Summary
Side-by-side comparison of USDA APHIS (VEHCS) export steps, DAFM (Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) import rules, and Delta Air Lines pet policies.
| Requirement | Origin (USA) | Destination (Ireland) | Delta Air Lines & Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies Risk Tier | 🇺🇸 USA: Controlled/Low-Risk | 🇮🇪 Ireland: Step-Free/Rabies-Free | No 90/180-day blood test wait (21-day vaccine wait applies) |
| ISO Microchip Rule | Scanned by USDA APHIS (VEHCS) vet before rabies shot | ISO 11784/11785 15-digit | 15-digit barcode must match DL booking and health certificate |
| Rabies Blood Test () | Origin tier: Controlled/Low-Risk | Not required for direct low-risk entry | 22 days minimum vet lead time |
| (Tapeworm) Rule | Given and timestamped before departure | Strict 24–120 hours before arrival (Praziquantel) | Vet must record exact date and 24-hour HH:mm time |
| Government Health Certificate | Endorsed by USDA APHIS (VEHCS) | EU Non-Commercial Pet Health Certificate (Ireland) (within 10 days) | Original signed certificate checked at Delta Air Lines counter |
| Cabin vs. Cargo & Breed Policy | Book pet space 14+ days ahead | Allows Cabin, Checked Hold (), or Cargo | Snub-nosed breed (Shih Tzu): Banned in cargo/hold on Delta Air Lines |
Arriving in Ireland: Customs & Border Check
- Submit Advance Notice via DAFM Pet Travel Portal at least 24 hours before arriving at Dublin (DUB) or Shannon (SNN); compliance inspection fee applies.
- Strict Echinococcus tapeworm treatment required 24 to 120 hours prior to scheduled arrival time.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shih Tzu (USA → Ireland)
Can a Shih Tzu fly in the cabin on Delta Air Lines from USA to Ireland?
In-Cabin Approved on Delta Air Lines (<= 9 kg Limit). At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for Delta Air Lines passenger cabin travel in a ventilated carrier up to 45 x 28 x 28 cm. Reserve cabin pet quota at least 14 days ahead.
How many days in advance do I need to prepare my Shih Tzu to enter Ireland from USA?
Entering Ireland from United States (Controlled/Low-Risk) requires a strict biological minimum of 22 days and a recommended 40-day pre-clearance lead window via DAFM (Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine).
Does Ireland require a Rabies Titer Test (FAVN) or 24–120h Tapeworm treatment from USA?
No — because USA is classified as Controlled/Low-Risk, direct travel to Ireland is exempt from the 90/180-day blood titer wait, requiring a 21-day post-microchip rabies immunity wait. Additionally, dogs must receive Praziquantel tapeworm treatment strictly 24 to 120 hours before landing.
When must USDA APHIS (VEHCS) endorse the health certificate for Ireland?
Your accredited veterinarian must issue "EU Non-Commercial Pet Health Certificate (Ireland)" and obtain official government endorsement from USDA APHIS (VEHCS) within 10 days prior to departure.