Apply for a Certificate of Exemption for an XL Bully

You must complete a separate application form for each dog. An owner must be 16 years of age or older.

Definition of a Dog Owner

The Control of Dogs Act 1986 defines an owner as:

“Owner, in relation to a dog, includes the occupier of any premises where the dog is kept or permitted to live or remain at any particular time unless such occupier proves to the contrary. Where there is more than one dwelling in a house, the occupier of the dwelling in which the dog is kept, or permitted to live or remain, shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to be the owner.”

Identifying an XL Bully Type

Use the XL Bully Type Physical Conformation Standard to determine whether your dog is an XL Bully type. If you are unsure after checking, you may apply for a Certificate of Exemption as a precaution.

Where to Send Your Application

By Email

[email protected]

By Post

Animal Welfare & Control Services
Block 2, Floor 3
Fishamble Street
Dublin 8
D08 RF3F

Documents Required

You must include the following documents before a Certificate of Exemption can be issued:

• Copy of valid dog licence.
• Microchipping certificate.
• Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form.
• Photographic proof of identity (passport, driving licence, Public Services Card, etc.).
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement issued within the last 3 months).

After You Apply

We will process your application and issue one of the following:

• Certificate of Exemption
• Request for Further Information
• Refusal letter

If your dog is already neutered, a Certificate of Exemption will be issued once all other conditions are met before 31 May 2025.

If your dog is not neutered, the Certificate will be issued once we receive the Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form and all other conditions have been met.

Neutering Requirements

Your dog must be neutered (castration for males, spaying for females) by a Veterinary Surgeon or Practitioner. The Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form must be completed, signed and stamped by the vet and sent to your Local Authority.

When to Submit the Neutering Form

• If your dog is already neutered: submit the form as soon as possible.
• If your dog is 18 months or older and unneutered on 1 October 2024: submit the form by 30 June 2025.
• If your dog is younger than 18 months on 1 October 2024: submit the form within one month of the dog turning 18 months, and no later than 1 July 2026.

No neutering forms will be accepted after 1 July 2026. Applications without a neutering confirmation form after that date will be void.

Microchipping Requirements

Your dog must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time it is 12 weeks old.

List of approved microchip databases

If you are unsure whether your dog is microchipped, a Veterinary Surgeon or Practitioner can scan and confirm this.

Refusal of Certificate of Exemption

If your application is refused, you will be notified in writing by your Local Authority.

Application Review Process

If your application was refused due to missing documentation and you can now provide it, you may reapply to a senior officer of your Local Authority. You must reapply within 10 working days of the refusal letter and state the grounds for your reapplication.

Certificate of Exemption Requirements

As the registered owner of an XL Bully type dog, you must:

• Keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder, except for up to 30 days per year.
• Apply for a revised Certificate of Exemption if you change address (unless the change is within the 30-day allowance).
• Notify your Local Authority if the dog dies or is exported.
• Keep the dog:
  • securely muzzled in public,
  • on a short strong lead not longer than 2 metres,
  • handled only by someone aged 16 or older.
• Ensure the dog is kept in secure and appropriate accommodation that prevents escape.
• Provide access to scan the dog's microchip when requested by an Authorised Officer.
• Comply with all relevant dog ownership legislation.
• Provide the Certificate of Exemption to an Authorised Officer or An Garda Síochána within 10 days of request.
• If the dog is older than 18 months on 1 October 2024, submit the neutering form by 30 June 2025.
• If the dog is younger than 18 months, submit the neutering form within one month of neutering or by 1 July 2026 at the latest.

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