My pet is missing — where do I report it?

Direct answer

A microchipped pet is found through the chip database: report it missing at Fido / Animark microchip databases (fido.ie) so any vet or shelter scanning the chip sees it — and check your contact details there are current. Then ISPCA — National Animal Cruelty Helpline (0818 515 515) — the animal shelter and the animal-welfare organisation for Ireland, which take in strays — and Your city or county council (gov.ie), 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.

Call firstFido / Animark microchip databases

Report toISPCA — National Animal Cruelty Helpline

If that failsYour city or county council

🗣️ 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: Fido / Animark microchip databasesMark missing, update your phone number.
Shelters and vets: ISPCA — National Animal Cruelty HelplineCall and email the local shelters and vets with a photo; visit shelters in person — descriptions get lost.
Municipality: Your city or county councilFound 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

Fido / Animark microchip databasesReport missing, chip searchImmediately after the pet goes missing🔗 www.fido.ie

ISPCA — National Animal Cruelty HelplineAnimal cruelty inspections and prosecutionsNeglect or abuse📞 0818 515 515 🔗 www.ispca.ie

Your city or county councilNuisances, roads, waste, lost property, environmental complaintsFor anything the council handles🔗 www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/1a5c8-local-authorities

An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud

❓ 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

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“missing pet report Ireland”
“lost dog what to do”
“lost cat found shelter”
“microchip database report missing”
“municipal animal shelter Ireland”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

Your tools for Ireland

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · IrelandElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Ireland, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.

🐕 My pet is missing — where do I report it?