The Department of Agriculture expects to spend up to €5 million on transport for the pets of Ukrainian refugees who arrive in Ireland from the war-torn nation.
More than 600 dogs and cats had been brought into the country from Ukraine by the end of April, availing of a special exemption to EU regulations governing the movement of animals.
All pets are assessed by a vet upon arrival in Ireland, and some may be required to spend time in an isolation facility before being reunited with their owners.
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The department is now seeking tenders for contracts to provide transport for the animals from their point of arrival to designated isolation facilities, and ultimately to their owners’ place of residence.
It estimates that the total cost of providing the transportation services will amount to €5 million excluding VAT, and may continue for up to a year.
Tender documents specify that the points of entry from which the animals will need to be transported will primarily be Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort, and the Port of Cork. However, some will arrive at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
Contractors will be required to transport the pets from their point of arrival to designated isolation facilities. They will also be responsible for moving the animals from isolation facilities to “unspecified locations on the island of Ireland”, and “on occasion from unspecified locations to the isolation facilities”.
Last month, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue promised that Ireland would continue to operate an open-door policy for Ukrainian refugees and their pets.
“Pets play a huge role in the lives of so many people,” he said. “They’re friends and companions and I was keen to ensure pets could travel with their owners.
“Ireland has always shown itself to be a kind, caring and compassionate country. Our first instinct is to help people who need it, and the way in which we have opened our doors to the people of Ukraine shows just how much of a considerate nation we are,” Mr McConalogue added.
“This 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.”
Some pets can be released to their owners immediately following assessment on condition that they isolate at home for a period of four months.
Others are required to spend some time at a designated isolation facility but may complete the remainder of the isolation period at home with their owners. Vets decide whether animals are suitable for home isolation or official isolation at the point of entry.
The Department for Agriculture did not respond to a request for comment.
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