Responsible dog ownership in Ireland means ensuring your pet's welfare, abiding by strict identification and licensing laws, and keeping your dog under control to protect the community, local wildlife, and livestock. It involves a lifelong commitment to the animal's physical and mental well-being.

Many common houseplants and flowers are highly toxic to cats. Lilies (all varieties) are the most dangerous and can cause fatal kidney failure, even from trace amounts of pollen. Remove these plants immediately if you have cats and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Specific care essentials include microchipping (and registering), registering with a local vet for neutering/spaying, vaccinations and parasite treatments (usually included by rescues as part of the adoption donation).

Microchipping is the only permanent, fail-safe way to ensure your cat is returned if lost or stolen. The procedure is quick, safe, and takes seconds. A tiny chip (the size of a grain of rice) is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades.