Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, any property housing six or more female dogs capable of breeding is classified as a dog breeding establishment.
Requirements for DBEs:
Must have 6 or more breeding females on their property
Need to be licensed and regularly inspected by local county councils to maintain their license
Must keep detailed breeding records and follow the Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines, which specify minimum staff-to-dog ratios, breeding frequency, kennel sizes, socialization plans, sanitation standards, etc.
DBE License Fees:
The cost of a DBE license varies based on the number of breeding dogs:
6-18 breeding females: €400
19-30 breeding females: €800
31-100 breeding females: €1,600
101-200 breeding females: €3,000
More than 200 breeding females: €3,000 plus €1,600 for every additional 100 females beyond 200
A DBE’s license indicates the maximum number of breeding dogs allowed, which depends on factors such as housing capacity and staffing. It does not necessarily reflect the actual number of dogs on site.
Sellers are required to display their license number in their advertisements (both online and offline). On Dogsy.ie, we also list the maximum number of breeding females in their ads to help buyers understand the scale of the operation. For further information on registering as a DBE, please contact your local county council.
Additional Information:
For details on the legislation governing dog breeding establishments, you can review the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010.
If you are interested in applying to become a DBE, the best approach is to contact your local county council. Typically, they will have a designated dog warden or inspector who can guide you through the application process.