Ireland Wasn't Always Pet-Friendly — But It's Getting Better
Traditionally, Ireland was not considered an easy place to rent with a pet. Unless you were taking on an unfurnished property or a more basic home, acceptance was far from guaranteed. And even when landlords did agree, it often came with demands for a large additional deposit on top of the standard one.
That landscape has shifted significantly over the past few years — and the catalyst has largely been the Build to Rent sector.
The newer Build to Rent developments that have opened across Dublin and other cities have embraced pet-friendly policies as a selling point. Most of these developments charge a small additional monthly amount for a pet — typically in the region of €50 per month — rather than a large upfront deposit. This has changed the conversation around pets in rentals more broadly.
As a knock-on effect, I've noticed that more traditional private landlords are slowly becoming more open to accepting pets too. It's still not straightforward, particularly for one and two-bedroom apartments — but the direction of travel is positive.
The key thing to understand: A lot of the resistance in apartment blocks isn't coming from the landlord themselves — it's coming from the management company. Many management companies have rules that prohibit pets entirely, and individual landlords simply can't override that, no matter how willing they are. Always check the management company policy, not just the landlord's attitude.
What the Law Actually Says About Pet Deposits
This is something that catches a lot of people out — and some landlords too. Under Irish law, the security deposit is capped at one month's rent. That's the total. A landlord cannot charge an additional separate pet deposit on top of this.
What landlords can do — and many do — is charge a monthly pet fee as part of the rent. Around €50 per month is typical. It's worth knowing that this fee counts as part of your rent for Rent Pressure Zone purposes, so landlords cannot use it as a way to quietly increase rent beyond the permitted limits.
💡 Practical tip: If a landlord or agent tries to charge a separate pet deposit on top of your standard deposit, this is not in line with current RTB guidelines. You're entitled to question it — and if they insist, it's worth considering whether this is the right tenancy for you.
Things to Watch Out For When Searching With a Pet
Weight and Breed Restrictions
Even in pet-friendly developments, don't assume all pets are welcome equally. Many complexes have weight restrictions on dogs, and some have breed restrictions too. Always ask directly and get it confirmed in writing before you proceed with an application. Finding out after you've paid a holding deposit that your dog is 2kg over the limit is not a situation you want to be in.
Pet-Friendly Blocks Within Developments
This one surprises a lot of people. Some large developments are pet-friendly in principle — but only in specific blocks or sections of the complex. The rest of the development may not allow pets at all. When enquiring about a property, ask specifically whether the unit you're looking at is in a pet-permitted block, not just whether the development is "pet-friendly."
The Private Market Is Still Challenging
While the Build to Rent sector has opened things up, the traditional private rental market — particularly one and two-bedroom apartments — remains more restrictive. Houses, especially larger or unfurnished ones, tend to be more flexible. If you have a large dog, a house with a garden is always going to be your best bet, both in terms of landlord acceptance and quality of life for your pet.
My Top Tips for Renting With a Pet in Ireland
- Create a pet profile or reference. This is something I strongly recommend to all my clients with pets. A short document — even one page — covering your pet's breed, age, temperament, training, and ideally a reference from a previous landlord or vet, can make a real difference. Landlords and agents are making a judgement call about risk. Giving them something concrete to work with shifts that conversation in your favour.
- Be upfront from the start. Don't try to hide the fact that you have a pet. Beyond being the right thing to do, it almost always comes out — and a landlord who discovers you've misrepresented your situation will not be sympathetic when it comes to your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
- Target the right properties. Build to Rent developments, houses with gardens, and unfurnished properties are your best starting points. Furnished city centre apartments are typically the hardest.
- Ask the right questions. Is the building managed by a management company? What are their pet rules? Which blocks are pet-permitted? Are there weight or breed restrictions? Get every answer in writing.
- Be prepared to move quickly. Pet-friendly properties that tick all the other boxes — location, price, quality — go fast. Have your documentation ready so you can apply the same day you view.
Moving to Ireland From Abroad With a Pet?
If you're relocating internationally, there's an additional layer to plan for — getting your pet into Ireland in the first place. The requirements vary depending on where you're travelling from, but generally include microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and in some cases a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet within a specific window before travel. EU pets travelling within the EU have a relatively straightforward process. Pets coming from outside the EU — including the US, Canada, Australia, and most of Asia — face more requirements and longer timelines.
It's worth starting the process much earlier than you think you need to. Some of the vaccination and documentation timelines are strict and cannot be rushed. Your vet at home and the Irish Department of Agriculture website are the right places to start.
Worth knowing: Ireland has strict biosecurity rules as an island nation. The import requirements are there for good reason and are enforced. Starting this process early — ideally 3 to 6 months before your move — will save you a significant amount of stress.
A Final Word
Renting with a pet in Ireland is no longer the near-impossible task it once was — but it does require more preparation, more patience, and a slightly different search strategy than renting without one. The market is moving in the right direction, and with the right approach, most people with well-behaved pets do find somewhere suitable.
If you're relocating to Ireland with a pet and want help navigating the search, I'm always happy to have a conversation. Knowing the right questions to ask, the right developments to target, and how to present your application well can make a real difference to the outcome.