Searching for a lost pet with a drone in Ireland
Ireland follows the EU open category with no permission needed within its limits. Insurance is required unless you fly a drone under 20 kg for recreation, so a volunteer search is worth covering.
| Aviation authority | Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register as an operator if the drone weighs 250 g or more, or less if it has a camera (unless it is a toy). One number for all your drones, shown on each one and valid in every EASA country. On MySRS: €41 for 2 years; 16 or over, or through a parent or guardian. Register. |
| Test or certificate | EU A1/A3 online training is free; the proof of online training certificate costs €51 and lasts 5 years, required above 250 g. |
| Maximum height | 120 m (400 ft) above the ground. |
| Line of sight | Always in sight with your own eyes. An observer standing next to you may help. |
| Night flights | Allowed with a green flashing light on the drone. |
| Remote ID | Required on class C1, C2 and C3 drones; not on C0 drones or drones without a class mark. |
| No-fly zones | IAA map of UAS geographical zones |
| Controlled airspace | Controlled airspace: apply to the IAA with its UF101 form. Check NOTAMs and temporary restricted areas. |
What matters for a search in Ireland
- Insurance is required unless you fly for recreation with a drone under 20 kg.
- Follow the Data Protection Commission's guidance on drones.
- Environmental restrictions are on a separate government map, linked from the IAA zones page.
Before every search flight
- Check the no-fly zones for the exact area in IAA map of UAS geographical zones.
- Ask the landowner if you take off from private land.
- Keep the drone in sight and below the height limit, away from people, roads and buildings.
- Let the owner of the animal know you are flying, and where.
Official sources
- www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones/drone-register
- www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones/faqs/safety-regulations
- www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones/faqs/geographical-zones
- www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones/uas-geographic-zones
A summary to help you prepare a search, not legal advice. The official sources have the final word.
Reviewed on October 22, 2026.
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