Dog licensing in Ireland. Dog licences from An Post
Do you have a dog? If so, you need a licence. Buy one at any of our post offices nationwide
How does it work?
Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, which was amended in 1992, all dog owners are required to have a dog licence.
To get your Dog Licence all you need to do is drop into your local Post Office where you can buy it over the counter.
Step by step
What type of licence do you need?
- Individual dog licence – covers one dog for a period of 12 months
- General dog licence – for owners of kennels for a period of 12 months
- Lifetime of the dog licence – for the lifetime of the dog for which the licence is issued
Most people will need the individual licence. You have to be over 16 years of age to hold a dog licence.
Where do I get a Dog Licence?
Dogs which do not require a licence
- Guide dogs for the blind do not require licensing
- Dogs which are in the country for less than 30 days do not require licensing.
Some breeds have specific regulations
The breed of dog is not considered important, but some breeds have specific regulations about leashing, muzzling, etc, in public places.
If you are getting a rescue dog from an animal shelter or charity, you will usually need to have the licence in advance.
| Licence Type |
Licence Fee |
| Individual |
€20.00 |
| General |
€400.00 |
| Lifetime |
€140.00 |
What next?
Retain your licence for inspection