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Dos and Don’ts of Responsible Dog Ownership Dogs are more than just pets; they are loyal companions, faithful friends, and even family members. But owning a dog also comes with great responsibility. Responsible dog owners not only provide their dogs with basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, but also ensure their dogs are well-trained, socialized, and happy. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits and challenges of owning a dog, and offer some tips and resources on how to be a responsible dog owner. Is a dog right for me? Owning a dog is a lifelong commitment, with some dogs living up to 20 years of age. If you are thinking of getting a dog as a pet, firstly consider if your home and family lifestyle is suited to keeping a dog for its lifetime. If living in rental accommodation, landlord permission must be sought. Some local authorities do not permit tenants to keep dogs of certain breeds under the Control of Dogs Regulations. Is my lifestyle suited to caring for a dog? You need to find a breed of dog that will suit your lifestyle, making sure you have time each day to care for, interact with, and exercise your dog. Be aware of other commitments such as a baby or a job that could impact you caring for a dog. Do I have the financial resources to cover expenses for a dog? In addition to household expenses such as dog food, bedding and toys, you will need to budget for a dog licence, microchipping and veterinary care. If you keep a dog, you MUST follow these requirements.
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My dog must: • Be microchipped and registration kept up to date on an approved database. • Have a certificate of registration from the microchip database. • Have a valid dog licence issued by An Post. • Wear a collar or harness with my contact details attached. • Be under your control in urban and rural public places. • Have access to clean water and appropriate food. • Be kept in a manner that safeguards its health and welfare. • Be kept in a manner that does not threaten the health or welfare of another animal or people. How to be a responsible dog owner: Responsible Sourcing. Consider adopting from a local authority dog shelter or animal welfare charity. Cork Animal Care Society try and provide care to animals in Cork City and County that need help. www.facebook.com/CORKACS/ Animal Help Kerry are a registered charity based in Tralee who help re-homing unwanted and abandoned animals. www.facebook.com/ AnimalHelpKerry Microchipping In Ireland, if you keep, sell, purchase or rehome a dog, your dog must be microchipped
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and registered on a database approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. If your dog goes missing, there is a greater chance of being reunited if your dog is microchipped. Dog Licence If you own a dog, you must have a dog licence. Dog licences may be purchased online at www.licences.ie or in your local Post Office. Current fee for an individual dog licence, valid for one year, is €20; the fee for a lifetime licence is €140. Basic Care: • Provide clean water, food and shelter suited to your dog’s needs. • Exercise your dog. • Groom your dog regularly to keep coat and skin healthy. • Play with your dog to keep them stimulated. • Socialise your dog regularly with other dogs. • Train your dog to understand basic commands In public: Pick up and bin dog poo when in public places. Restricted breeds must be securely muzzled and kept on a strong chain or leash (maximum 2 metres in length) by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog. Suspected cases of dog cruelty or animal welfare concerns should be reported to: • DSPCA: cruelty@dspca.ie Contact number: 01 4994700 • ISPCA: helpline@ispca.ie Contact number: 0818 515515 • Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine National Helpline: animalwelfare@ agriculture.gov.ie Contact number: 01 607 2379
Issue 106 January 26th, 2024
