Dog Pound Service and Dog Licences

Wicklow County Council operates a Dog Pound at Rathdrum, which has been operating successfully for a number of years and offers a service of Dog Re-homing.

The policy of Wicklow County Council is to attempt to re-home as many dogs as is possible. Re-homing is generally on the recommendation of the County Dog Warden or County Veterinary Officer.

Wardens and Kennel Keepers

Wicklow County Council currently has 2 dog wardens in operation around the county. Part of the remit of our wardens is to remove stray dogs from our areas. These strays are then brought to the pound and immediately scanned for a microchip and subsequently returned to their owners if a microchip exists.

The wardens together with the kennel men look after the dogs handed into the pound or taken in by the warden as strays.

The staff within the pound are are available to give advise on proper feeding and care of your pet and a leaflet is available at the pound. Wicklow County Council aims to reduce the number of stray dogs in the community. For this reason Wicklow County Council make a significant contribution to the vet costs associated with neutering and a voucher is offered to all persons re-homing dogs taken from our pound.

A microchipping scheme which has commenced will ensure that each dog re-homed from the pound, if lost will be returned without delay to its owner. A small microchip with a number specific to your pet is placed under its skin, in the shoulder area. This service is provided by Wicklow Co veterinary officer.

When a dog is re-homed from the pound the new owner must purchase an Annual Dog license, cost €12.70, from any post office, before a dog will be released into their care.

Dog Licences

All dog owners must have a current dog license for each pet. Licenses are available from any Post Office at a cost of €12.70 or a group dog licence at a cost of €253.95 which can also be purchased from any Post Office or the Water & Environmental Services of Wicklow County Council. Wicklow County Council Wardens make random inspections checking for valid licenses. A fine of €30 can be imposed for non-possession of a current dog license.

Please contact the staff at 0404 44873 or alternatively call to the pound at Sharpeshill, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.

Opening hours of the Dog Pound

Monday to Friday – 10am to 12.30pm

Saturday – 10am to 12pm

Directions to Wicklow County Council Pound

Travelling Northbound on N11 from Arklow direction take left turn opposite Beehive Pub. Take the 3rd right turn on this road. Pound is on the right hand side of the road with a sign for “Sharpeshill” at gate.