More than 600 pets from Ukraine have arrived in Ireland

And more are to come.

More than 600 pets have arrived into Ireland from Ukraine with their owners since Russia invaded in February. Ireland and other EU countries have waived the regular biosecurity and pet travel requirements due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Much of the footage being shown of refugees fleeing the country with their pets by their side, with the European Commission recognising the importance of pets during this time. They have permitted that normal strict rules on pet movements should be loosened to allow for easier movement of animals. Ireland is one of the countries that have adapted to these new rules and now around 618 dogs and cats have arrived so far with their owners, with a number of smaller household pets also arriving. The Department of Agriculture is ahead when it comes to processing these animals and bringing them into compliance along with required health and biosecurity standards once they arrive in Irish ports. This process starts with micro-chipping and vaccination against rabies for dogs and cats and treatment for tapeworm. They are then required to enter home quarantine and owners will receive instructions from the department on what they need to do next. Blood tests for rabies antibodies are then done 30 days after vaccination and quarantine must continue for three months. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said that Ireland will continue with its open-door policy to both Ukrainian refugees and their pets. "Pets play a huge role in the lives of so many people. They are friends and companions and I was keen to ensure pets could travel with their owners," he said to RTÉ. "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."