• Check for an ID Tag and call the owner, but please be careful when approaching as it may be nervous around strange people
• Bring the dog to a vet and have it checked for a microchip
• Post details of the dog on social media, e.g. Galway Mayo Lost Found Animals (Facebook)
• Put the dog’s information on www.lostdogs.ie and www.lostandfoundpets.ie
• Place posters in local shops, vets, community centres, etc.
• Inform the dog warden for your area
• Inform the Gardai

If someone comes forward as the owner, ask for proof of ownership such as a microchip certificate, dog licence or photos. Please note that it is unlawful to hand a dog over to any person or agency who is not the dog’s legal owner, the Gardai or the Dog Warden.

If you do not find the owner you may decide to keep the dog yourself.  In this case you must send written notification to the Dog Warden or the local Gardai. If the dog’s owner does not claim the dog within a year you may become the owner of the dog.

If you are not in a position to keep the dog and have tried every avenue to locate the owner, you can call the Dog Warden. The legal requirements regarding all stray dogs is that they must be collected by the Dog Warden and held for five working days to see if they can be reclaimed.