# Pet ownership in Ireland | Pets | Moving to Ireland > Pet ownership in Ireland is a popular and cherished pastime, with many households welcoming furry friends into their homes. Whether it's a dog, cat, or… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/pets/pet-ownership-in-ireland/ Pets · Step 2 of 5 # Pet ownership in Ireland 2 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 Pet ownership in Ireland is a popular and cherished pastime, with many households welcoming furry friends into their homes. Whether it's a dog, cat, or rabbit, pets are an important part of the Irish family and culture. However, owning a pet in Ireland also comes with certain responsibilities and regulations that pet owners must abide by. First and foremost, all dogs in Ireland must be microchipped and registered with the local authority. This is a legal requirement and failure to comply can result in fines or penalties. Microchipping is a quick and simple process that involves inserting a small chip under the dog's skin, which contains identifying information about the dog and its owner. This is a useful tool for reuniting lost or stolen dogs with their owners. In addition to microchipping, dogs must also be vaccinated against certain diseases, including rabies. The vaccination must be done by a veterinarian and the dog must have an up-to-date vaccination certificate. Dogs are also required to be treated for tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before the scheduled arrival time in Ireland. Pet owners must also ensure that their pets are well cared for and not causing a nuisance to others. This includes providing them with adequate food and water, as well as a clean and safe environment to live in. Pet owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets in public places, and failure to do so can result in fines. Ireland has a strict policy regarding the breeding of dogs. It is illegal to breed dogs without a license, and all breeding establishments must be registered with the local authority. This is to ensure that breeding is done responsibly, and that puppies are healthy and well-cared for. Overall, pet ownership in Ireland is a rewarding experience that brings joy and companionship to many families. However, it is important for pet owners to understand and comply with the regulations in place to ensure the welfare of their pets and the safety of the community. By being responsible and informed pet owners, we can continue to foster the strong bond between humans and their animal companions in Ireland. ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 15% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Pet ownership in Ireland** — about 1 minute more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on pets [All 5 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/pets/) - ### [Minimum standards for moving with a pet](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/pets/minimum-standarts-for-moving-with-pet/) Bringing a pet along while relocating to Ireland can be a complex process, and there are several things that you will need to take care of in order to… 2 min read - ### [Getting here I: Airlines](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/pets/getting-here-i-airlines/) Moving to a new country with a pet can be a challenging process, but with the right preparation and information, it can be a smooth and stress-free… 1 min read - ### [Getting here II: Airports](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/pets/getting-here-ii-airports/) When it comes to airport rules, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding pet transport. This includes information about… 2 min read - ### [Difficulties to find a pet-friendly flat](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/pets/difficulties-to-find-a-pet-friendly-flat/) Finding a pet-friendly flat in Ireland can be a challenge, especially if you have a mid or large breed dog. The lack of pet-friendly housing options can… 2 min read Keep going ## Get the full pet relocation roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. Tell it your passport, whether you have moved yet, and who is coming with you, and it lays out every step in order — from the visa to the bins. - Step-by-step checklist - Tailored to your passport - Pre-move & post-move - Family & pet sections [![Download Moving to Ireland on the App Store](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-store-badge.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) ★★★★★ 4.9 on the App Store [![Expats who settled in Ireland, two five-star App Store reviews, and the Moving to Ireland app showing its relocation checklist](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-social-proof.webp)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261)