1. Do I need a Dog Licence?
If you own a dog, you must have a dog licence.

Licence Charges
• An Individual Dog Licence is €20.
• A Lifetime dog licence can be purchased for €140.

To purchase an Individual or Lifetime Dog Licence with An Post please click here or call to your local Post Office.

• General Dog Licences are €400 per annum.

General Dog Licences for an unspecified number of dogs on one property can only be purchased directly from Kerry County Council either at the Environmental Services office in Maine Street, Tralee or by calling 066 7162000.

Exemptions from Holding a Licence
• Guide dogs for the blind do not require licensing
• If the dog is under the age of four months and is kept with its dam (mother) or foster-mother
• See Control of Dogs Act 1986 for more information

2.  How do I Contact the Dog Warden Service?
You can contact the dog warden service at Kerry County Council Dog Pound, Matt Talbot Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry V92 K004 either by phone at 066 – 7183700 or Email at [email protected]

Access to the pound is by appointment only from Monday – Friday 10.00am -1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm

3.  Where can I find dogs for rehoming?
Please visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kerrycountycouncildogpound/ for details of dogs for rehoming

Rehoming Fees

4.  Does my dog need an ID badge?
Yes: Every dog is required by law to have an ID badge attached to their collar. Every dog must have a collar with the owner’s name and address inscribed on a disc or on a badge. Failure to do this may result in an on-the-spot fine of €200. This will help if your dog is lost or stolen. These can be bought at various veterinary surgeries and pet shops.

5.  Should I microchip my dog?
Yes, as microchipping of all dogs including puppies is now required by law under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 63 of 2015).
If your dog goes missing, there is a greater chance of being reunited if your dog is microchipped.

Please contact your vet for information on microchipping.

6.  What should I do about barking dogs?

Section 25 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 deals with nuisance by barking dogs. If you don’t get a satisfactory response from the dog owner, you may complain to the District Court, using the form prescribed under the Control of Dogs Act. These forms are available from local authorities.

7. Which breeds are known as Restricted Breeds?

Under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, the following breeds have been identified as being potentially dangerous , therefore, at all times in public places these breeds must be securely muzzled, on a sufficiently strong chain/leash not exceeding 2m in length and in the control of a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling the dog.

• American Pit Bull Terrier
  • English Bull Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Bull Mastiff
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • German Shepherd (Alsatian)
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Japanese Akita
  • Japanese Tosa

Which also includes every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog), and to every other strain or cross of every breed or type of dog as described in the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998.

8. Do I need to neuter my pet?

All pet owners are strongly advised to have their dog neutered if they don’t intend to breed from them in a responsible and caring way. This will reduce the number of unwanted puppies. Neutered male dogs are less likely to wander or display aggression. These procedures also reduce the risk of your pet contracting life threatening diseases. 

9. What is a Dog Breeding Establishment (DBE)?

These are premises that keep six or more female dogs, older than six months, which are capable of breeding. You must register with your Local Authority if you meet these criteria.

If you are setting up a new breeding establishment you must first register with your local authority. It is an offence to operate without being registered with your local authority.

• How can I be a responsible dog owner?

Responsible Dog Ownership

11.In the event of an attack on livestock, what should I do? 

In the event of an attack on livestock, please contact the Gardai or the Dog Pound. Dog owners should be aware that the owner of a dog shall be liable in damages and for injury done by it to any livestock (as per section 21 of the Control of Dogs act 1986).

Control of Dogs Act 1986