When it comes to dog ownership there are a number of factors to take into considerations to take into account around having a dog and many responsibilities that come with it.
Choosing to own a dog.
Dog ownership is a long-term commitment given dogs can live up to 20 years of age.
Before you get a dog you need to look at every aspect of your life and ask yourself some key questions.
Is my home suitable for keeping a dog?
- Are your living conditions suitable for keeping a dog? Do you have enough room in the property and do you have secure outdoor space for the dog to enjoy?
- If you live in rented accommodation you will need your landlord’s permission to have a dog , while local authorities may have restrictions on the breeds of dog you can keep.
- If you are in private rented accommodation, bear in mind that if you have to move out and find a new place to live, there are very few properties out there that accept pets and it can take a long time to find somewhere that does.
Does my lifestyle and that of my family suit keeping a dog?
- Does everybody agree to having a dog?
- Do you have time to, care for, interact with, train and exercise a dog daily?
- Is your home empty for long hours each day and will your dog be left on its own during that time?
- How will life events impact on caring for a dog, a new baby, new job or change in working environment can all have effects on that care.
- How will you care for your dog when you are away from home? Do you have somebody to look after and exercise the dog or can you arrange a suitable boarding kennel for them?
Do you have the financial resources to cover expenses?
- Apart from household expenses on food bedding and accessories do you have a budget to cover medical expenses?
- What about dog grooming costs, a dog licence and microchipping?
- How about covering neutering, vaccination and veterinary care?
Sourcing your dog
If you have decided to get a dog you need to consider responsible sourcing of the dog.
- Consider adopting a dog from a local authority dog shelter or an animal charity.
- Before you get the dog consult a vet and learn the pros and cons of the breeds you are considering getting.
- Never agree to buy a dog without first seeing it in it’s home environment (including seeing a puppy with its mother), and bear in mind if purchasing a dog, that reputable breeders will have a waiting list for dogs.
- If you are buying from a Dog Breeding Establishment you can check if it is registered with the Local Authority or on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s pet sellers register.
- A registered Dog Breeding Establishment will have a Registration Certificate on display on their premises.
Licencing and Identification
In Ireland all dogs must be licenced, microchipped and wear a collar with an identification tag (Please see relevant pages for more details).
This helps you be reunited with your dog in the event your dog strays, gets lost or is stolen. You need to keep the details up to date including the dog’s name, your address and contact number.
Basic Care
• You must provide clean water, suitable food and shelter suited to the needs of your dog.
• Exercise your dog daily (this will vary depending on the needs of the breed).
• Regularly groom your dog to keep it’s skin and coat healthy.
• Keep your dog stimulated by playing with them.
• Socialise you dog regularly with other dogs.
• Train your dog to understand basic commands
• Consult with your Vet on veterinary care including neutering, vaccination and flea and worm treatments.
Controlling your Dog
• It is a legal requirement to keep your dog under Effectual Control and it is recommended to keep your dog on a lead when in public.
• You must ensure that your dog does not cause a nuisance to others (this includes barking and dog fouling) and you respect rules as to where dogs are welcome and not welcome.
• Additional rules may apply in certain locations such as on a farmer’s land especially where livestock are present or local bye-laws may apply in public parks, beaches and tourist attractions.
• Further restrictions may apply on certain breeds, crosses and types of dog as defined under the Control of Dogs regulations (1998) dealing with Restricted Breeds.
Dog Control during Lambing Season
Latest figures show 240 incidents of ‘Livestock Worrying’ recorded by local authorities
Dog attacks cause serious injury or even death to sheep and can cause grave distress and financial loss for farm families.
Dog Control during Lambing season video
A Responsible Dog Ownership Booklet is available here in both English and As Gaeilge
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have information, videos and their latest Responsible Dog Ownership campaigns available here
Finally please remember that You are Responsible for your dog and its actions and liable for any damage they cause under Section 21 of The Control of Dogs Act 1986 (As Amended).