Waterford City & County Council employ two full-time Dog Wardens to carry out its obligations under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 in the city and county area. The Control of Dogs Bye-Laws of 2015 also apply.
Dog Control
The Environment section has responsibility for Dog Control in Waterford City & County.
In this section, you can find information on:
- Dog Breeding
- Dog Fouling
- Dog Licences
- Microchipping
- Neutering
- Responsible Dog Ownership
- Restricted Breeds
- Dogs on Beaches
XL Bully dogs
From 1st October 2024, new regulations ban the import, breeding, selling, and rehoming of XL Bully dogs in Ireland. By February 1st, 2025, owners must apply for a “Certificate of Exemption” to keep their dogs legally.
The application process requires documentation including a valid dog licence, a microchipping certificate, and proof of neutering.
XL Bully owners may apply online, or by post.
APPLY ONLINE NOWNon-compliance may result in fines or seizure of the dog.
The following documentation may also be of assistance to owners wishing to apply.
Dog Control FAQs
Do I need a Dog Licence ?
Yes, every dog requires a dog licence by law. An individual Dog Licence costs €20 and must be renewed each year and can be purchased from your local post office. Lifetime Dog Licence is available for €140 for the lifetime of the dog and can be purchased at the Council offices in Dungarvan or Waterford City.
A general Dog Licence for an unlimited number of dogs costs €400 and must also be renewed annually and can be purchased at the Council offices in Dungarvan or Waterford City. An on-the-spot fine of €100 may be issued by the Dog Warden to any dog owner unable to produce an up-to-date licence.
How do I contact the Dog Warden ?
In the first instance, please contact the Environment Section on 0818 10 20 20 or send an e-mail to contact@waterfordcouncil.ie
What Happens to Stray Dogs ?
Stray dogs collected by the Dog Wardens are delivered to the Waterford Dog Shelter in Bilberry, Gracedieu near Waterford city. The Waterford Dog Shelter serves both the city and county areas. The poundkeeper is Ms. Kate Wall.
If you have lost your dog, or wish to re-home a dog, please contact Waterford Dog Shelter on : 0818 10 20 20 or e-mail : contact@waterfordcouncil.ie
Dog Shelter Opening Hours :
- 11am - 1pm, 2 - 4pm Monday to Friday
- 11am - 1pm on Saturday
- Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
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 €100. This will help if your dog is lost or stolen. These can be bought at various veterinary surgeries and pet shops.
Should I microchip my Dog ?
Yes, as microchipping of all dogs is now required by law under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 (S.I. No. 63 of 2015). Since March 2016, all dogs are legally required to be microchipped and registered with an authorised database.
Micro-chipping is a simple and effective way to make sure that your pet can be easily identified should you become separated. A small microchip, (about the size of a grain of rice) is inserted under the loose skin on the back of your pet's neck.
What can I do about Barking Dogs ?
Excessive barking by dogs, which causes a nuisance to any person, is an offence under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986.
In a calm and neighbourly manner, let the dog’s owner know how the barking affects you. They may not have realised what was happening. If this approach fails, you can make a complaint to the local District Court by downloading Barking Dogs Court Form.
For more information on filling out the complaint form please contact the Waterford District Court Office, The Courthouse, Waterford City. Tel: 051 874657 Email: WaterfordDC@Courts.ie
Please note: This form must be sent to the local District Court and not the Council's Environment section.
Which breeds are known as Restricted Breeds ?
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 impose additional restrictions on the following breeds of dog or on strains or crosses of these breeds which have been designated as "Restricted Breeds".
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Bull Mastiff
- Doberman Pinscher
- English Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd (Alsatian)
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bandog
These dogs or crosses of them are subject by law to the following restrictions when in a public place:
- must be securely muzzled
- must be led on a sufficiently strong chain or leash not greater than 2 metres in length by a person over 16 years of age, who is capable of controlling the dog
- must have a collar bearing the name and address of the owner (applies to all dogs)
These restrictions do not apply to dogs used by the Gardaí, Harbour Police, Airport Police, Customs & Excise Service, Rescue teams or Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Does dog fouling cause disease ?
Dog dirt is smelly, sticky, disgusting and can cause disease. Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2009, dog-owners are required to clean up after their dog fouls in a public place such as public roads, footpaths, parks and beaches. Failure to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of €150. It is as easy as taking a bag with you every time you walk your dog in a public place. Simply place the bag over the faeces and lift it while pulling the bag downwards with your other hand. Tie a knot in the bag and dispose of in a litter bin or take it home for disposal.
Alternatively, Pooper Scoopers are available free of charge in all City & County Council offices.
Do I need to neuter my dog?
Yes, most importantly it prevents unwanted litters of puppies and so reduces the numbers of stray dogs and the numbers of dogs being destroyed in pounds across the country. Neutering has many health benefits. It reduces the incidence of mammary cancer in bitches and of testicular cancer in males. Having a bitch spayed will also put an end to packs of dogs following her around when she is in season and it can stop male dogs wandering off looking for romance !
Please contact your local veterinary practice for more information. Dogs Trust, a leading dog welfare charity, operates subsidised neutering schemes in partnership with veterinary practices around the country.
How much does neutering cost ?
The cost of spaying or neutering your pet depends on many factors. For example, a large dog will cost more than a small dog; if your pet is overweight or in season this can also add to the cost. Contact your veterinarian to get a more accurate idea of the costs involved for your pet. The cost of spaying/neutering is really quite small when compared, for example, to what you will spend on food for your pet over its lifetime. Also consider the possible costs if you do not spay and neuter. If your pet should wander off in search of a mate, you may be faced with paying fines and impoundment costs. Worse yet, think of the costs should your pet be injured while roaming for a mate.
Subsidised Dog Neutering Campaign is available for those on means-tested benefits.
Dogs' Trust, the international dog welfare charity with Head offices in both Ireland and the UK is now providing subsidised neutering for both male and female dogs in Ireland. Neutering is a simple procedure that has many benefits. Most importantly it prevents unwanted litters of puppies and so reduces the numbers of stray dogs and the numbers of dogs being destroyed in pounds across the country.
The neutering campaign offers people on means-tested benefits the opportunity to have their dog neutered for just €20
Contact any participating veterinary practice for more details or call the Dogs Trust National Neuter Hotline on 1890 946 336.
Dogs on Beaches
Specific regulations are in place regarding the control of dogs on beaches.
These rules aim to ensure that all beachgoers can enjoy their visit safely and comfortably. Dogs are not allowed on Woodstown, Tramore, Bunmahon, Clonea, Ardmore, and Dunmore East beaches between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the peak summer months of June, July, and August.
These regulations are part of the broader Control of Dogs Bye-Laws 2015, which are integrated into beach-specific rules to maintain a clean and safe environment for all visitors.
View Beach Bye-Laws 2021