I’m afraid South Africa is regarded as a ‘non-eligible’ country as far as the EU Pet Passport system goes. This is the procedure you’ll need to follow:

If you want to import a dog or cat into Ireland from a country other than one eligible for the EU Pet Passport System, you must have an import licence from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The pet will be required to spend six months in the public quarantine in Ireland.

There is only one approved public quarantine premises: Lissenhall Quarantine Kennels and Catteries, Lissenhall, Swords, Co Dublin, Tel: +353 1 8900375, Fax: +353 1 8409338. Animals must spend their six-month quarantine here.

The animal must be transported by air to Ireland and land at Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports and be brought on by air to Dublin if necessary. Transport from the airport to the quarantine must be undertaken by the sole authorised carrying agent: Kelly Couriers, 30 Selskar Avenue, Skerries, Co. Dublin. Telephone: +353-1-8490807 Fax: +353-1-8029801.

This arrangement is to be undertaken by the owner.

All costs (quarantine, veterinary fees, transport etc.) must be met by the owner. Arrangements for quarantine and transport must be in place before an import licence is granted. The animal may not travel without an import licence.

Sorry – but the new relaxed rules don’t apply to you and your dog.