What to do if you find a stray dog

If you find a straying dog you need to either hand the dog over to the local dog warden or detain the dog and notify the the nearest Garda station or Dog Warden in writing. This notice must include:

  1. A description of the dog
  2. The location where the dog was found
  3. The address where the dog is being kept

This process ensures the dog is entered into the official register of found dogs. You can also share the details of this dog on one or more of these Facebook Groups who specalise in helping lost dogs. A dog warden or a vet can also scan the dogs microchip and try to locate the owner that way.

Irish Lost & Found Pet Facebook Groups

# Group Name Members Facebook Link
1 Irish Dogs Lost Found Stolen 68K Visit Group
2 Munster lost and found pet helpline 51K Visit Group
3 Northern Ireland Pets Lost Found Stolen 45K Visit Group
4 Lost and Found Pets in Dublin, Ireland 20.7K Visit Group
5 Rescue Lost Stolen Dogs North And South Of Ireland 19.3K Visit Group
6 Missing/Stolen Animals Ireland 16K Visit Group
7 County Down Pets Lost and Found 15K Visit Group
8 Irelands Animals Lost Found Stolen 7.4K Visit Group
9 Ireland's lost and found Animals 6.4K Visit Group
10 Lost and Found.ie 3K Visit Group

Frequently Asked Questions

First ensure your safety and the dog's safety. If the dog appears friendly, check for a collar with tags. Then either hand the dog over to the local dog warden or detain the dog and notify the nearest Garda station or Dog Warden in writing with a description of the dog, where it was found, and where it's being kept.

Yes, failing to notify authorities can be considered unlawful. You must inform the proper authorities first - either the local dog warden or Garda station. This ensures the dog is entered into the official register of found dogs.

You would need a microchip scanner. A dog warden or any vet can scan the dog's microchip and look up the owners details for free. This is often the quickest way to locate the owner as the microchip will be linked to the owner's contact details in one of the approved databases.

Under Irish law, a dog must be held for a minimum of 5 days before it can be rehomed. During this time, every effort should be made to locate the owner. The dog warden will advise on the specific procedures in your area.

Yes, after notifying the authorities, posting on Facebook groups specialising in lost and found pets is highly recommended. Include clear photos, the area where found, and your contact details. Be cautious about giving too many identifying details to prevent false claims.

Do not approach an aggressive or severely injured dog. Contact your local dog warden immediately, or call the Gardaí who can arrange for professional help. For injured dogs, you can also contact local animal rescue organisations who may be able to assist.