What to Do If Your Dog is Stolen or Missing
When your beloved dog goes missing or is stolen, every minute counts. This comprehensive guide provides essential steps to maximize your chances of a safe reunion.
Time is Critical
Act immediately! The first 24-48 hours are crucial for recovering a stolen or missing dog. Follow these steps in order to maximise your chances of getting your dog back.
Immediate Actions to Take
1. Search Your Immediate Area
If your dog has just gone missing, quickly check:
- Your property thoroughly (sheds, garages, cars)
- Neighbouring gardens and properties
- Their favourite walking routes
- Local parks or areas they know
2. Report to An Garda Síochána
If you suspect theft or after initial searches:
- Call your local Garda station immediately
- File an official report and get a PULSE incident number
- Provide photos and your dog's microchip number
- Request they check CCTV in the area if available
3. Mark Microchip as Missing/Stolen
CRITICAL: Contact your microchip database immediately to mark your dog as missing or stolen. This prevents anyone from changing the ownership details.
Contact your microchip registry:
Animark
Phone: 01 28 87870
Email: info@animark.ie
Website: www.animark.ie
Irish Kennel Club (IKC)
Phone: 01 4533300
Email: info@ikc.ie
Website: www.ikc.ie
Fido
Phone: 086 125 4321
Email: helpdesk@fido.ie
Website: www.fido.ie
MicroDogID / ICC
Phone: 052 6188500
Email: info@microdogid.ie
Website: www.MicroDogID.ie
4. Create and Distribute Lost Dog Posters
Use our Free Lost Dog Poster Maker to quickly create professional posters with all the essential information.
- Include clear photos of your dog
- List distinguishing features
- Provide contact information
- Mention reward if offering one
- DO NOT include the microchip number on posters
5. Contact Local Resources
- All local veterinary clinics
- Dog wardens in your county and neighbouring counties
- Animal shelters and rescue organisations
- Local pet shops and grooming salons
- Dog training clubs and doggy daycares
6. Use Social Media
- Post on local Facebook groups and lost pet pages
- Share on Twitter/X with location hashtags
- Post on Instagram with local tags
- Ask friends and family to share
- Join Irish lost dog Facebook groups
Protecting Against Fraud
Be Aware of Scams
- Never send money to someone claiming to have your dog without proof
- Ask for current photos/videos with today's newspaper
- Meet in a public place or bring someone with you
- Be wary of callers asking for the microchip number - they may be trying to claim ownership
- Report suspicious contacts to Gardaí
Ongoing Actions
- Visit pounds daily - Don't just call, physically check
- Refresh posters weekly - Weather can damage them
- Expand search area - Dogs can travel far, especially if scared
- Check selling sites - Monitor DoneDeal, Adverts.ie, Facebook Marketplace
- Consider professional help - Pet detectives or drone searches
- Don't give up - Dogs have been reunited months or even years later
Legal Information
Under Irish law:
- Dog theft is a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001
- You have the right to file a police report
- Microchip databases are legally required to update status when notified
- Anyone knowingly buying or keeping a stolen dog can be prosecuted
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your local Garda station immediately to report the theft and get a PULSE incident number. Then contact your microchip database to flag the chip as stolen. This prevents anyone from changing ownership details. Time is critical - act within the first few hours if possible.
Check your microchip certificate - it should show which database was used. If you're unsure, contact all major Irish databases (Animark, IKC, Fido, MicroDogID) to be safe. Most will check if your dog's chip number is in their system. When in doubt, contact them all to report the theft.
No, never include the microchip number on public posters. Thieves can use this information to try to change ownership details or claim they own the dog. Include photos, distinguishing features, and your contact details, but keep the microchip number private for verification purposes only.
Never send money without proof. Ask for current photos or videos with today's newspaper visible. Meet in a public place and bring someone with you. Be suspicious of requests for the microchip number - legitimate finders won't need this. Trust your instincts and report suspicious contacts to Gardaí.
Support Resources
Losing a dog is traumatic. Remember:
- It's not your fault - dog theft can happen to anyone
- Accept help from friends and family
- Join online support groups for owners of missing pets
- Take care of yourself while searching
Irish Lost & Found Pet Facebook Groups
Join dedicated Irish pet recovery communities on Facebook. Visit our Found Dogs page for a comprehensive list of Irish Lost & Found Pet Facebook Groups where you can post about your missing dog and connect with people who may have seen them.
