Licensing

To obtain a dog licence, you must be over 16 years of age. It is an offence for you to keep a dog over 4 months old unless you have a licence. 

A dog warden can request you to produce evidence of your dog licence. Failure to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of €30 in respect of each unlicenced dog. Failure to pay this fine within a specified period can result in prosecution by your local authority.

Licences are not required for the following:

• Dogs in the possession of a local authority 
• Dogs in the possession of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA)
• Dogs in the possession of Gardaí
• Blind persons' guide-dogs
• Dogs imported into the State for less than 30 days

Ordinary Dog Licence

The ordinary dog licence, relating to an individual dog at a specified location, costs €20.00 and is valid for 12 months from date of issue.  This licence can be purchased on-line at On-Line Dog Licensing / Imadra; in the Veterinary Section, Floor 2, County Hall; or at any An Post office.

General Dog Licence

The general dog licence, relating to an unspecified number of dogs at a specified premises, costs €400.00 and is valid for 12 months from date of issue.  This licence can be purchased on-line at On-Line Dog Licensing / Imadra; or in the Veterinary Section, Floor 2, County Hall.

Lifetime Dog Licence

The lifetime dog licence, relating to a period that is contemporaneous with the remainder of the lifetime of a dog, costs €140.00.  This licence can only be purchased at the Veterinary Section, Floor 2, County Hall.  Please contact us for more information if you are interested in this type of dog licence.

The revenue from dog licences finances the operation of dog control services in local areas throughout the country.