How to be a responsible dog owner

In addition to dogs enhancing the lives of their owners, dog ownership involves owner commitment and owner responsibilities.

• research the type of dog that you are interested in, and make yourself aware of any common health problems or behaviours.
• consider adopting from a local authority dog shelter or animal welfare charity
• if you decide to buy a dog, consult your vet for advice
• never agree to collect a dog without seeing the dog in its home environment
• reputable breeders have waiting lists, so please be prepared to wait
• if sourcing your dog from a Dog Breeding Establishment (DBE), first check the premises is registered with the local City/County Council
• a registered DBE will have a registration certificate on display in the premises

• in Ireland, if you keep, sell, purchase or rehome a dog, your dog must be microchipped and registered on a database approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
• if your dog goes missing, there is a greater chance of being reunited if your dog is microchipped
• please contact your vet for information on microchipping

• if you own a dog, by law you are required to have a dog licence
• dog licences may be purchased online at www.licences.ie or in your local Post Office
• the current fee for an individual dog licence, valid for one year, is €20. The fee for a lifetime licence is €140
• your dog must wear a collar or harness with your contact details attached
• consider adding your phone number to your dog’s identification tag
• a dog licence can be purchased at your local Post Office www.anpost.com/Store-Locator

• provide clean water, appropriate food and shelter suited to your dog’s needs
• exercise your dog daily (exercise needs depend on dog breed)
• groom your dog regularly to keep coat and skin healthy
• play with your dog to keep them stimulated
• socialise your dog regularly with other dogs
• train your dog to understand basic commands

Please consult your vet for professional advice on veterinary care including vaccinations, neutering, flea and worm treatment and health checks.

• as it is a legal requirement that dogs are accompanied and kept under ‘effectual control’, it is recommended to keep your dog on a lead in public spaces
• make sure your dog does not cause a nuisance to others and respect rules in relation to where dogs are welcome
• additional rules may apply to certain locations. For example, farmers often request that dogs are not brought onto their lands or commonage, particularly when sheep or other livestock are present
• local bye-laws on dog access may apply in specific areas such as beaches or public parks
• the use of electric collars, choke chains, and extendable leads to control your dog is not recommended.
• keeping your dog on a lead in public spaces helps to ensure the safety and comfort of you and your dog. Not everyone feels comfortable around dogs, and some dogs may react unpredictably when approached, so by keeping your dog on a short lead you are helping to prevent potentially difficult interactions.
• just because other people, animals or livestock aren’t immediately visible, doesn’t mean they aren’t nearby. Dogs have a very strong sense of smell and an uncontrolled dog can cover ground quickly, which may lead to unexpected encounters.
  
  

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Local Authorities have compiled this guide to responsible dog ownership in Ireland.

Click this link to see the leaflet in a range of other languages