Can I keep a dog in Cyprus?
Yes — with a microchip, registration and an annual licence. Under Dog Law 184(I)/2002, every dog over 3 months must hold an ownership licence from the local authority (municipality/community). The microchip (15-digit ISO) is mandatory, implanted by a registered vet before the rabies vaccination; registration in the Veterinary Services register is free. The licence is valid 1 year and renewed annually. The dog must be on a leash in public. Four breeds and their crosses are banned (Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro). In short: yes, if you meet the duties.
📋 The rules
- Dog >3 months: ownership licence from the council
- Microchip mandatory; registration free
- Licence valid 1 year, renewable
- Leash in public
- 4 breeds banned (Pit Bull etc.)
🔓 Exceptions
- Breeders & blind guide-dog owners: licence-fee exempt
- Hunting dogs: separate permit; max 2 per hunt
- Lost dog: report; licence cancelled after 6 months
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The annual licence fee is commonly cited around €20.50/dog (reform proposals: ~€5 sterilised, ~€10–30 non-neutered, by municipality); a dangerous-breed licence ~€170. Reported/proposed fines: ~€200 for no licence; ~€1,000 for owning/importing a prohibited breed; ~€2,000 for walking a dangerous dog without lead/muzzle; ~€300 for not picking up faeces. Amounts vary by municipality — confirm locally. Beware a myth: "microchipping/registering my dog costs a fee" — registration in the Veterinary Services register is free; you pay the vet's implant charge and the annual municipal licence, not the registration. Tip: renew the licence ~15 days before expiry.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Must I register my dog?
Yes. Every dog over three months must have a microchip and an ownership licence from the municipality or community. The microchip is implanted by a registered vet, and registration in the Veterinary Services register is free.
What does the licence cost?
The annual licence fee is commonly cited around €20.50 per dog, while for a dangerous breed it's much higher, around €170. Exact amounts vary by municipality, so confirm them with your local authority.
Which breeds are banned?
Four breeds and their crosses are banned: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. Their import is prohibited and mandatory sterilisation applies. For dangerous dogs, a lead and possibly a muzzle also apply.
Must I keep the dog on a leash?
Yes, in public the dog must be on a leash. For large or dangerous dogs a muzzle may also be required. A 'Beware of the Dog' sign must also be displayed at the premises.
What if I lose my dog?
You must report the loss. The licence is cancelled after six months unless the police confirm theft. Stray dogs are held in an approved pound for 15 days. You must also report any transfer or death within 7 days.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “dog registration cyprus”
- “dog licence cyprus”
- “dog microchip cyprus”
- “banned dog breeds cyprus”
- “dog fee municipality cyprus”
- “dog leash cyprus”