Check familiar hiding places, nearby streets, neighbours and local businesses.
Lost dog in Ireland? Start here.
Take a breath and act quickly. Begin near the place your dog was last seen, then contact the people most likely to receive a report or scan a microchip.
Updated 30 July 2026Your local service may already have the dog or a report from someone who found them.
Keep a recent photograph, microchip number and accurate description ready to share.
1. Search the immediate area
Check your home, garden, sheds and familiar hiding places first. Walk the surrounding streets and ask neighbours and nearby businesses whether they have seen your dog. Keep your phone nearby and make sure someone can answer calls while the search continues.
2. Contact your local dog warden
Contact your local dog warden and local authority dog shelter as soon as possible. They may already have your dog or have received a sighting from a member of the public.
- Give the location and time your dog was last seen.
- Describe the breed, colour, size, age, sex and distinguishing markings.
- Include collar and tag details, the microchip number and a recent photograph.
- Leave a current telephone number that someone will answer.
3. Call local vets and animal rescues
Contact veterinary practices, rescues and animal-welfare organisations near the place your dog disappeared. Leave the same description and photograph with each one. Check back regularly rather than assuming every new arrival will automatically be connected with an earlier report.
4. Report your dog as missing
Add your dog to the ISPCA Lost and Found service, then check its found-pet listings. Share one clear photograph through relevant local community groups. Include the area, date, identifying features and a telephone number, but avoid publishing your full home address.
5. Check the microchip registration
Make sure the telephone number and address registered against the microchip are current. Contact your vet or the relevant database operator if you are unsure. A microchip can help a vet, rescue or dog warden identify your dog, while a readable collar tag allows someone nearby to telephone you immediately.
6. If you believe your dog was stolen
Report the suspected theft to An Garda Síochána. Keep a record of the incident number and inform the dog warden, microchip operator, local vets and rescues that theft is suspected.
7. If your dog reaches a shelter
Act immediately when a shelter contacts you. Local Government Ireland says owners have five days to reclaim a dog before a shelter can legally rehome it. You may need proof of ownership, a valid dog licence and payment of shelter fees. Follow the instructions provided by the relevant shelter.
When your dog is safely home
Once everyone has calmed down, check that the collar still fits securely, replace any damaged or difficult-to-read tag, confirm the microchip registration is current and save a recent photograph and microchip number somewhere accessible.
- Review gates, fencing or other possible escape points.
- Keep the main telephone number on the tag current.
- Replace the tag when its important details become difficult to read.