THERE are several requirements for keeping a dog in Ireland and multiple rules that all owners should be aware of.

Licence

  • It is an offence to keep a dog over four months old without a licence. You can get an annual licence from your local post office or local authority for €20 or you can get a lifetime licence for €140.

    • Identification

  • Dogs must at all times wear a collar with the name and the address of the owner inscribed on it or on a plate, badge or disc.

    • Microchipping

  • Since 2016 all dogs must be microchipped upon reaching the age of 12 weeks.

  • If you are buying a puppy it is the law that it must be microchipped.

  • Contact your local veterinary surgeon for more information regarding microchipping.

    • Travelling

  • All dogs travelling out of the country including to Northern Ireland must now have a Pet Passport and be fully up to date on all rabies vaccinations.
  • You can get your Pet Passport through your local veterinary surgeon. The price of this varies depending on whether your dog is up to date on the requirements.

    • Specific breeds

  • There are additional restrictions on certain breeds in Ireland: Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, English bull terrier, Bullmastiff, Dobermann pinscher, German shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese akita, Japanese tosa or Bandog (or strains or crosses of them).
  • These breeds must be kept on a short, strong lead controlled by a capable person over 16 years of age. You must also keep the dog muzzled in a public place.

    • Effective control

  • When you are in public with your dog they must be under “effective control”. This means that they respond to your instructions and do not harass other people or animals.
  • You can get an on the spot fine from the local authority if you dog is not under effective control. There are more serious penalties if they cause injury or damage to property.

    Scoop the poop

  • It’s an offence against the Litter Pollution Act not to clean up after your dog, and you could be fined €150 ‘on-the-spot’.

    • The above advice is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.