Dogs in Dublin can enjoy a plethora of activities – walk in one of the city’s many parks, enjoy the beautiful beaches, grab a bite at a pet-friendly café and more. However, there are specific rules and regulations your pooch has to follow to be able to live in Dublin. Read on to find out more:

Vaccinations and registrations

All dogs over the age of 12 weeks must be microchipped and vaccinated. Make sure the vet includes your pet’s vaccination details and microchip identification number in all of your pet’s records. It is illegal in Dublin to buy or sell pups that have not been microchipped and registered on a government-approved database.

Dogs over the age of four months must be registered with the local authorities compulsorily. If you have just moved to Dublin with your dog, you have 30 days before you must register. Guide dogs and puppies under the age of four months do not need licences.

The city of Dublin gives out three different types of dog licences – individual dog licence that is valid for one year, lifetime dog licence that is valid for the lifetime of the dog and a general dog licence that is valid for one year and covers an unspecified number of dogs at one location. Dog licences are available at the local post office or online at licences.ie.

Pet parent responsibilities

All pet dogs in Dublin must wear a collar with the name and address of the pet owner. Dublin’s locally appointed dog wardens can issue penalties if your dog does not have adequate identification and a valid dog licence.

When you take your dog out in public places, they must be on a lead and under control at all times. Keep your dog away from farm animals and make sure your dog doesn’t worry sheep and other barnyard animals. Farmers are legally permitted to shoot dogs that stray into their land.

Make sure you clean up after your pet at all times. It is illegal not to clean up after your dog, and you can attract a fine if identified.

Restricted breeds

The city of Dublin identifies certain dangerous breeds as restricted breeds, and these dogs have to be muzzled at all times when out in public. They must be kept on a lead no longer than two metres and cared for by a responsible adult. Restricted breeds are American Pit Bull Terrier, Bandog, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and any crossbreed of these breeds.

Beach and park laws

Dublin’s many parks are great places to take your dog out for a run and to socialise with other pooches. Make sure you follow park rules; some parks have specific off-leash areas, and others have particular off-leash timings. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with park rules before bringing your doggy to the park.

Some off-leash parks in Dublin are Corkagh Park, Killiney Hill, Griffeen Valley Dog Park, Marlay Park, and Bawllaley Park.

Some beaches in Dublin are strictly off-limits to dogs, while others allow dogs as long as they are on a lead. Some beaches have designated off-leash areas and times when your doggy can run around and enjoy the beach. Beaches such as Sandycove Beach, Killiney Beach and Seapoint Beach have designated bathing areas where dogs are not allowed.

You can take your doggies to non-designated areas; make sure they are on a lead unless you go at a time when off-leash walking is allowed. Remember to pick up after your dog and make sure your dog does not annoy beach-goers and other animals and birds.

Finding pet-friendly accommodation

Pet-friendly accommodation in Dublin is not as easy to come by because many home-owners are sceptical about letting out homes to dog owners. When you find a house that is suitable for you, make a good case for yourself with reference letters from your previous home-owners. Try writing to the owner and convince them that your dog is well-trained and will not destroy the house. Add a few adorable pictures of your pooch to help swing it in your favour.

It is the landlord’s decision to allow pets or not in the house, and some owners charge a pet fee over the rent. Make sure your dog does not annoy the neighbours with constant barking or whining and clean up after your pet always.

Dog-friendly cafés and restaurants

Most restaurants and cafés in Dublin do not allow dogs in the premises unless it is a guide dog. Things are slowly changing, and there are a few pubs and restaurants that let you bring your doggy pal around. Some pet-friendly establishments in Dublin are The Gravediggers, Anseo, Tea Rooms at Phoenix Park, The Fumbally, Metro Café, Urbanity, Pot Bellied Pig, Café 105, Two Pups and more.

Moving to Dublin with your pet?

Pet travel to Ireland is a long process that involves vaccinations, health tests, documentation and much more. If you are planning to travel to Dublin with your pet, get in touch with Petraveller for more advice on living in Dublin with your dog and a detailed pet travel itinerary.