Ireland's Dog Census 2024

Welcome to the results of Ireland's Dog Census 2024! 

The landscape for our canine companions is constantly evolving, and to truly support them, we must evolve with it. That’s why, Ireland’s first-ever Dog Census is a ground-breaking piece of research, and one that marks an important step in understanding the lived experiences of dogs, their owners, and the dog-loving population across the country. 

The invaluable insights in this report will inform the support and services we offer, and help shape the roadmap for our work in the coming years, so that we can help more dogs live life to the full.  

This is only the beginning of our journey and we’re so grateful for your support as we take this important step forward.  

We learned some interesting things about you and your furry friends, which also gave us valuable insights into dog welfare.

Our aim is to help keep more dogs and their owners together, and to support owners who may be struggling with the pooches they love. 

You can download the full report below or scroll on for the highlights.

Which breed is top dog?

When it came to the most popular breeds Jack Russells (10%), Labradors (8%), and Collies (7%) came top of the pack. But let’s face it, they’re all our favourites, and there was a lot of love for multiple breeds and crossbreeds too. 

The dog owners surveyed also highlighted some financial challenges. Veterinary care is the biggest financial struggle, with 42% of owners finding it challenging, while 11% of dog owners struggle to pay for dog food.

There is confusion over how to spot a legal breeder. Only two in five (42%) dog owners feel they can tell the difference between a licensed and an illegal breeder. This was closely followed by 39% not being sure and 1 in 5 saying they wouldn’t know.

The biggest issues facing dog owners are other dog owners not being responsible in public places (27%) and a lack of dog-friendly spaces in Ireland (24%). This shows that dog owners’ concerns are primarily within their community rather than at home, highlighting how wider environmental factors like access to green spaces and dog-friendly businesses, or the presence of uncontrolled dogs, all play a significant role in shaping daily life. 

Most dog owners who responded said they carried out research before getting their canine companion. But worryingly, just over one in five owners didn’t do any research before getting their dog, equally highlighting the need for more education in this space.

These results are just the tip of the terrier's tail when it comes to what we learned. We're now collecting responses for Ireland's Dog Census 2025. Help us count every dog, so every dog counts.