Dogs in Ireland: rules, tax and travel

Every dog needs a licence and a microchip registered on an approved database. There is no dog tax, no cat chip duty yet, and dogs entering from abroad need tapeworm treatment.

Dog licences are issued nationally through post offices and licences.ie, while dog wardens and bye-laws such as local lead rules are run by each county or city council.

Breed rules

Where	Rule	Breeds and notes
Whole country	Muzzle and leash required	American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Dobermann, Bull Terrier, German Shepherd Dog, Akita, Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Ban Dog (Bandog), strains and crosses of the above Control of Dogs Regulations 1998: restricted breeds (and their crosses) must be muzzled in public, on a strong lead of max 2 m, held by a person over 16, with a collar showing the owner's name and address. [1]
Whole country	Banned	XL Bully XL Bully: import, breeding, sale and rehoming banned from 1 Oct 2024; owning one without a Certificate of Exemption illegal from 1 Feb 2025; XL Bullies also fall under the restricted-breed muzzle and lead rules. [1]

Registration and microchip

Registration

The microchip must be registered with current owner details on an approved database (Fido, Animark, Irish Kennel Club or Irish Coursing Club Micro ID). A dog licence is also needed for any dog over 4 months old.[2]

Microchip

Compulsory for all dogs in Ireland. Compulsory since 2015, with enforcement from 2016.[2]

Dog tax and licence

Dog tax

No dog tax. A dog licence fee applies instead (see licence).[2]

Licence or owner test

Annual licence 20 EUR, lifetime licence 140 EUR, general licence for multiple dogs 400 EUR a year. Buy at a post office, online at licences.ie or from the local authority. Holder must be over 16. On-the-spot fine of 150 EUR for no licence.[2]

typical 20 EUR, 20 to 400 EUR a year

Leash and muzzle

Leash and muzzle

Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 an owner must keep a dog under effectual control away from their own premises, and an owner commits an offence if the dog worries livestock.[3]

Other rules

The Animal Welfare Strategy 2026 to 2030 plans new legislation to enforce the EU traceability Regulation, a central online portal for dog traceability, stronger dog warden powers and a review of dog licensing.[4]

A new EU Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats will in time require every dog to be microchipped and registered in a national database. Private dog keepers get a long phase-in.[5]

Travelling to Ireland with a dog

From an EU country

Pets must comply with EU Regulation 576/2013 and arrive with the owner, or within five days before or after with an authorised person. Ireland has no ban or embargo on pets. A maximum of five pets applies unless attending a show or competition. Returning or entering dogs need tapeworm treatment.[6]

From outside the EU

Submit advance notice through the Advance Notice Portal before arrival. Pets must enter through a designated travellers point of entry (Dublin Airport or Port, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Ringaskiddy Port, Rosslare Europort) for a compliance check. EU rules on chip, rabies and certificate apply.[6]

Rabies antibody test

Needed only for pets arriving from non-EU countries that are not on the EU list. Blood is taken at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before the certificate is issued, with a result of 0.5 IU/ml or more from a designated lab. Pets from listed countries do not need it.[7]

Tapeworm treatment

A tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment for dogs is required only when entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. It must be given by a vet 24 to 120 hours before arrival.[8]

Not confirmed yet: Liability insurance, Quarantine. We only show what an official or named source states.

Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.