Selling Your Dog in Ireland
Sometimes circumstances change and you may need to find a new home for your dog. Whether due to moving, allergies, or lifestyle changes, it's important to handle the process responsibly and legally. This guide covers your options and requirements for rehoming your dog in Ireland.
Legal Requirements
In Ireland, dogs must be at least 8 weeks old before they can legally be sold or given away. Additionally, all dogs must be microchipped and registered, with proper documentation available for transfer to the new owner.
Required Documentation
Before selling or rehoming your dog, ensure you have all necessary paperwork prepared:
Essential Documents:
- Microchip Certificate: Original certificate showing microchip number and registration details
- Vaccination Records: Complete vaccination history including dates and vaccine types
- Health Records: Any veterinary records, health checks, or medical treatments
- Registration Papers: IKC or other kennel club registration if applicable
- Dog Licence: Current licence showing you're the legal owner
- Pedigree Papers: If the dog is pedigreed, include official pedigree documentation
Where to List Your Dog For Sale
For the best reach and most serious buyers, we recommend listing your dog on Dogs.ie - Ireland's leading platform for dog sales and rehoming. Prices for a 30-day ad start at €50, the price is per ad, not per dog for sale.
Benefits of Dogs.ie:
- Largest audience of serious dog buyers in Ireland and Northern Ireland
- Easy-to-use listing system
- Photo upload capabilities
- Direct contact with potential buyers
- Trusted platform with established reputation
Creating an Effective Listing:
- Include multiple clear, recent photos
- Provide detailed description of temperament
- Mention training and socialisation
- Be honest about any behavioural issues
- State reason for rehoming
- Include all health and vaccination information
Alternative: Rescue & Charity Surrender
If you're unable to find a suitable buyer or prefer to work with charitable organisations, consider surrendering your dog to a rescue organisation or charity. This can often be the best option for ensuring your dog finds a suitable new home.
What to Expect with Rescue Surrender:
- Surrender Fee: Many charities charge a surrender fee (typically €50-€200) to help cover care costs
- Waiting Lists: Popular rescues may have waiting lists, especially for certain breeds
- Foster Care: Some rescues may ask you to continue caring for your dog while they find a new home
- Assessment: The charity will assess your dog's temperament and health
- Screening: They handle vetting potential new owners
- No Guarantee: You typically cannot choose the new owner or stay in contact
Finding the Right Rescue:
Consider contacting breed-specific rescues first, as they often have waiting lists of people specifically looking for your dog's breed. Check out our adoption page for a list of reputable Irish dog charities and rescue organisations. Note: the ISPCA only accepts dogs in welfare cases, and not from the public.
The Importance of a Sales Contract
A written contract is essential when selling your dog. It protects both you and the buyer, ensuring clear expectations and preventing future disputes.
Why You Need a Contract:
- Legal protection: Clearly documents the sale and transfer of ownership
- Health disclosure: Records any known health issues or conditions
- Return policy: Establishes what happens if the buyer can't keep the dog
- Payment terms: Documents the agreed price and payment method
- Buyer commitment: Ensures the buyer understands their responsibilities
- Breeding rights: Clarifies if the dog is sold for pet purposes only
Get a Professional Contract Template
Don't risk selling without proper documentation. Visit Dogs.ie Contract Templates for professionally drafted dog sale contracts that cover all essential elements including:
- Seller and buyer information
- Dog details and health status
- Payment terms and conditions
- Return and refund policies
- Legal disclaimers and warranties
Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing depends on breed, age, training, and health. Pedigreed dogs typically command higher prices. Research similar dogs on Dogs.ie to gauge market rates. Remember, a higher price often attracts more serious buyers who are financially prepared for dog ownership. Consider the dog's welfare over maximum profit.
No, legally you cannot sell a dog without proper microchip documentation. If you've lost the certificate, contact the microchip database company (such as Fido, Animark, IKC or ICC) to obtain a replacement. The microchip registration must be updated to the new owner's details upon sale.
You must be completely honest about any behavioural issues. This is both legally and ethically required. Consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist first - many issues can be resolved. If rehoming is still necessary, look for experienced owners or breed-specific rescues who understand the challenges and can provide appropriate care.
This varies greatly depending on breed, age, size, and temperament. Popular breeds and puppies may find homes within days, while older dogs or those with special needs might take weeks or months. Be patient and don't rush the process - finding the right home is more important than finding a quick sale.
A short trial period (3-7 days) can be beneficial for both parties. It allows the dog to adjust and the new owners to ensure it's a good fit. Clearly outline the terms: who pays for food/vet bills during the trial, conditions for return, and what constitutes a successful trial. Some sellers prefer this approach to reduce the chance of the dog being returned later.
Older dogs are often harder to rehome and do take longer, so be prepared for some patience. Dogs.ie has a sister site AdultDogs.ie where all dogs over the age of 2 years old will also be displayed.
