1000 Strangers

Every day
counts.

Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses. Each has a different first call.

5 daysA pound holds a stray before it can be rehomed
15 digitsEvery microchip number · no letters
1 searchEuropetnet checks all four Irish chip databasesLook up a chip number
01 · TODAY
Call the dog warden

Strays go to the council pound. Ring them first, then every day.

Dog warden · council
02 · TODAY
Check your chip details

Make sure your phone number is current, or the finder can't reach you.

03 · THIS WEEK
Tell everyone nearby

Local rescues, vets, neighbours and lost-pet pages for your county.

1000 Strangers
Home The numbers Adopt Shelters Lost & found About Donate to a rescue Find a shelter near you

Every day
counts.

Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses. Each has a different first call.

5 days A pound holds a stray before it can be rehomed
15 digits Every microchip number · no letters
1 search Europetnet checks all four Irish chip databases Look up a chip number
01 · TODAY
Call the dog warden

Strays go to the council pound. Ring them first, then every day.

Dog warden · council
02 · TODAY
Check your chip details

Make sure your phone number is current, or the finder can't reach you.

03 · THIS WEEK
Tell everyone nearby

Local rescues, vets, neighbours and lost-pet pages for your county.

01 · TODAY
Search close to home

Cats hide nearby. Check sheds, garages and under cars, at dusk and dawn.

02 · TODAY
Check your chip details

Make sure your phone number is current, or the finder can't reach you.

03 · THIS WEEK
Tell rescues and vets

If you find a cat, lost or injured, bring it to a vet or an animal shelter.

01 · TODAY
Search close to home

Rabbits and small pets hide in hedges and under decking. Check near the hutch.

02 · TODAY
Tell rescues and vets

Found rabbits are usually passed to a local rescue.

03 · THIS WEEK
Post locally

Neighbours and lost-pet pages for your county.

01 · TODAY
Search close to home

Most birds stay close. Put their cage outside with food and call at dawn and dusk.

02 · TODAY
Give the ring number

Tell vets and rescues the leg ring number, if your bird has one.

03 · THIS WEEK
Post locally

Neighbours, bird groups and lost-pet pages for your county.

01 · TODAY
Search close to home

Turtles, tortoises and reptiles look for warm, sheltered spots near home.

02 · TODAY
Tell rescues and vets

Found pets are usually passed to a vet or local rescue.

03 · THIS WEEK
Post locally

Neighbours and lost-pet pages for your county.

01 · TODAY
Call the council

Loose horses are seized by the council. Ring them straight away.

Dog warden · council
02 · TODAY
Have your passport ready

Every horse needs a passport and chip. You'll need it to reclaim.

03 · THIS WEEK
Tell neighbours and yards

Nearby farms and yards often spot loose horses first.

01
Keep them safe

Water, somewhere quiet, away from other pets. Check the collar for a tag.

02
Get the chip scanned

Any vet, dog warden or rescue can read it and find the owner.

03
Tell the dog warden

Owners ring the pound first. If it's reported, they'll find it.

Dog warden · council
01
Don't move them yet

Many cats found outside have a home nearby. Ask neighbours first.

02
Get the chip scanned

If they seem lost or unwell, most vets will scan for a chip for free.

03
Tell a local rescue

They can advise, and post a found notice.

01
Wild or a pet?

Wild rabbits are brown with a white tail, and run. A pet rabbit is often coloured, tame and stays put. Leave wild ones alone. Approach a pet calmly and contain it in a box with air holes.

02
Call a vet

They can check for a chip and any injuries. Most will scan for free.

03
Tell a local rescue

Pet rabbits don't survive long outdoors.

01
Contain them gently

A box or cage with air holes, somewhere warm, quiet and dim.

02
Check for a leg ring

Note the number. A vet or rescue can help trace the owner.

03
Tell a local rescue

Pet birds don't survive long outdoors.

01
Keep them safe

Somewhere secure. Reptiles need to be kept warm.

02
Ask a vet

A vet can check for a chip and advise on care.

03
Tell a local rescue

They can advise, and post a found notice.

01
Call the council

Don't approach a loose horse on a road. Ring the council. Out of hours, call the Gardaí.

Dog warden · council
02
Welfare concern?

Ring the Dept of Agriculture on 01 607 2379.

03
Note where and when

Location, colour and markings help the owner.

ON THE SHORE
Stranded whale, dolphin or porpoise

If it's alive, ring the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's stranding line on 065 905 1763. Have its location and a photo ready. If it's dead, report it online.

ON THE SHORE
Seal pup on its own

Keep people and dogs back and don't touch it. Ring Seal Rescue Ireland's 24-hour line on 087 195 5393. In Northern Ireland, ring Exploris on 028 4272 8062.