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.
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 chartible 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 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.
Screening Potential Buyers
Questions to Ask Potential Buyers:
- Experience: Have they owned dogs before? What breeds?
- Living situation: House or apartment? Garden? Other pets?
- Family: Children? Ages? Everyone agrees to the dog?
- Time availability: Who will care for the dog during work hours?
- Exercise plans: How will they meet the dog's exercise needs?
- Veterinary care: Do they have a local vet? Budget for healthcare?
- Long-term commitment: What happens if circumstances change?
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
The Transfer Process
- Prepare the contract: Have the sales contract ready before meeting buyers
- Meet in person: Always meet potential buyers with your dog present
- Home visit: Consider visiting their home to see the environment
- Sign the contract: Both parties should sign and keep copies of the agreement
- Transfer documentation: Update microchip registration to new owner
- Payment: Exchange payment as agreed in the contract
- Handover: Provide all documentation, health records, and personal items
- Follow-up: Consider asking for updates on how the dog is settling in
Important Considerations
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities:
- Age requirement: Dogs must be minimum 8 weeks old to be sold
- Microchip transfer: Legally required to update ownership details
- Health disclosure: Be honest about any known health issues
- Behavioural honesty: Disclose any aggression, separation anxiety, or training issues
- No impulse sales: Avoid selling to impulse buyers or as surprise gifts
- Avoid puppy farms: Never sell to anyone planning to breed extensively
Before You Decide
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Have you explored all options to keep your dog (training, behavioural help, family support)?
- Is this a temporary problem that might resolve with time or assistance?
- Could rehoming within your extended family or friends be an option?
- Have you considered the emotional impact on both you and your dog?
- Are you prepared for the possibility that you may not find updates about your dog's new life?
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, AnimCall, or Petlog) 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.
Establish a return policy before the sale. Many responsible sellers will take their dog back rather than risk it ending up in an unsuitable home or shelter. Consider whether you'll refund money, under what circumstances returns are accepted, and how quickly they must contact you. Having this agreed upfront prevents disputes later.
