What to Do If You Find a Lost Dog: A Practical Guide

Finding a dog on the street can feel urgent and confusing. The goal is simple: keep everyone safe, confirm whether the dog is lost, and involve the right services so the dog can get home or get proper help.

What to do in the first 10 minutes

1) Put safety first

Approach slowly and calmly. A scared or injured dog can react unpredictably. If the dog is in traffic, do not put yourself (or drivers) in danger. If you cannot help safely, call for support instead of chasing.

2) Secure the dog

If it’s safe, clip on a leash and move the dog to a quiet spot. If you do not have a leash, use something temporary (a scarf, a belt) just to prevent the dog from bolting. Keep the dog away from other dogs, crowds, and loud noises.

3) Offer water and keep things calm

Offer water and give the dog space. Avoid lots of petting or handling, especially around the head and shoulders. If the dog seems injured or in pain, jump to the “injured or at risk” section below.

Why “lost” is more common than “abandoned”

Many dogs you see outside have a family and simply escaped through a door, gate, or leash slip. A calm, organised response makes reunions faster and reduces stress for everyone, including the dog.

How to check if the dog is lost

1) Check for visible ID

Look for a collar and any tag with a phone number. If you see a contact, call it right away. If you can, take a clear photo of the dog and any tag details.

2) Scan for a microchip

Take the dog to a nearby vet clinic to scan for a microchip. This is the fastest way to identify an owner when there’s no visible contact. If the dog is clearly owned but nervous, ask the clinic team for help handling safely.

3) Post a clear “found lost dog” notice

Once the dog is safe, post a photo and the exact area where you found them (neighbourhood and street name is enough, avoid sharing a private home address). Use platforms where people actively look for missing pets, like facebook and whatsapp groups, including Encontra-me.org.

Who to contact in Lisbon

- If the dog has no clear ID, you cannot keep them safely, or the dog is at risk

In Portugal, municipalities are responsible for collecting stray animals through their official services and centres. In Lisbon, contact Casa dos Animais de Lisboa (CAL) as soon as possible so the case is registered and handled correctly.

Casa dos Animais de Lisboa (CAL)
800 910 211 (free number)
218 170 552

- If the dog is injured, in danger, or you suspect neglect or abandonment

If there is an urgent welfare risk, contact the competent authorities and share the exact location, short description, and photos or video if possible.

PSP Defesa Animal
defesanimal@psp.pt
217 654 242

GNR SEPNA
sepna@gnr.pt
808 200 520

- If urgent veterinary care is needed

If the dog is suffering, go to the nearest clinic or hospital. At the same time, contact CAL early so you understand what support may be available and so the case is on record.

Responsibilities of the “achador” (the finder)

If you decide to keep the dog with you temporarily while you search for the owner, you become responsible for the dog’s wellbeing during that time. Think of it as short-term guardianship, not adoption.

What you should do

• Keep the dog safe, calm, and contained (water, shelter, escape prevention).

• Make a real effort to identify the owner (collar tag, microchip scan, local posts).

• Notify the appropriate services if the dog appears stray, is at risk, or you cannot keep them safely (in Lisbon, contact CAL).

• If someone claims the dog, ask for proof (photos together, vet record, specific details like a scar, habits, or the exact collar or harness).

What you should not do

• Do not assume the dog is abandoned without checking ID and scanning for a chip.

• Do not hand the dog to a stranger without proof of ownership.

• Do not keep the dog without actively trying to locate the owner first and notifying the appropriate services.

What Portuguese law generally covers (simple overview)

Portugal treats abandonment and mistreatment of companion animals as crimes. If you suspect abandonment or abuse, document what you see (photos, video, location, time) and report it to the competent authorities (PSP Defesa Animal, GNR SEPNA) and the municipal services.

This is general information, not legal advice. If you need legal clarity for a specific case, confirm with official sources or local authorities.

Prevention that makes returns faster: a visible dog tag

Microchips are essential, but they are not instant. A chip only helps once someone takes the dog to a vet to scan it. A visible tag is instant. The person who finds your dog can call you immediately.

The simple rule

• Owner phone number is essential

• Dog name is optional (if you want it)

We strongly recommend a tag that clearly shows your contact. At OhMyDog&Co, we stock a personalised tag that you can engrave with your dog’s name (optional) and your phone number (essential), to make returns faster if your dog ever gets lost. Available online and at our Lisbon retail store (8Marvila).

• Brooch - Personalised LOVE Dog Tag

Expert insight and community tip

Expert insight

If you already have a dog at home, keep the found dog separate at first. Stress and unknown health status can trigger conflict. Calm decompression first, introductions later.

Community tip (Lisbon)

After posting online, ask nearby cafés, shopkeepers, and building staff if they recognise the dog. Then place a few printed flyers close to where you found them. This often works faster than social media alone.