My pet is missing — where do I report it?
A microchipped pet is found through the chip database: report it missing at SIAC — Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia (siac.vet) so any vet or shelter scanning the chip sees it — and check your contact details there are current. Then GNR (SEPNA) / DGAV — maus-tratos a animais (808 200 520) — the animal shelter and the animal-welfare organisation for Portugal, which take in strays — and Câmara Municipal / Junta de Freguesia (anmp.pt), the municipality, which collects animals from the street. Search at dawn and dusk with something that smells of home; most cats are within a few hundred metres, hiding.
🗣️ What to say
"My [dog/cat], [name, breed, colour, age, chip number], went missing on [date] from [address/area]. [Wearing collar / not.] Please register it as missing and tell me which shelters to contact. Photo attached."
🪜 Step by step
- Chip database: SIAC — Sistema de Informação de Animais de CompanhiaMark missing, update your phone number.
- Shelters and vets: GNR (SEPNA) / DGAV — maus-tratos a animaisCall and email the local shelters and vets with a photo; visit shelters in person — descriptions get lost.
- Municipality: Câmara Municipal / Junta de FreguesiaFound animals are taken in by the municipal service; report yours so they match.
- NeighbourhoodPosters with a photo, local social-media groups, neighbours' sheds and garages. Cats: put the litter tray outside.
- Keep lookingCats turn up weeks later; dogs are usually found within days. Report a found pet the same way if you find one.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Not chipped
Report anyway with photos; a found animal is matched by description. Microchipping is compulsory for dogs in most EU countries — get it done when the pet is back.
Someone found it and wants money
A finder can claim reasonable expenses, not a ransom. If it feels like a scam, involve the police.
Lost abroad on holiday
Chip databases are linked through the European pet-network; report at home and in the country you are in.
📎 Sources
- SIAC — Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia →
- GNR (SEPNA) / DGAV — maus-tratos a animais →
- Câmara Municipal / Junta de Freguesia →
- Queixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNR →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “missing pet report Portugal”
- “lost dog what to do”
- “lost cat found shelter”
- “microchip database report missing”
- “municipal animal shelter Portugal”
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