Stray and Missing Dogs

Stray and missing dogs are a common issue in many communities, often resulting from abandonment, accidental escapes, or lack of proper identification.     It is Galway County Council policy to ensure that every attempt is made to rehome all stray or unwanted dogs that come into our care.    

Stray Dogs:

A ‘stray dog’ is a dog which is in a public place and not accompanied by its owner or other responsible person.    Stray Dogs can be seized by an authorised person and kept for 5 days during which time they may be reclaimed by their owners or rehomed if they are suitable for rehoming.   Please note that it is illegal to hand a stray dog over to anyone except the owner, Dog Warden, or An Garda Síochána. 

If you find a stray dog: 

• If the owners details are on the collar or tag, return it to the owner.
• If you can’t find the owner, contact your local Dog Warden.

You can keep a stray dog, but you must notify the Dog Warden or local Garda in writing.  If the owner doesn’t claim the dog within a year, you become the owner. 

If your dog goes missing, or it is stolen: 

• Immediately report it to An Garda Síochána, the Dog Warden, and your vet.
• Spread the word on social media – post clear photos and detailed descriptions of the dog and encourage people to share the post.
• Also post it on any missing animal websites and monitor selling websites to see if there are dogs for sale matching your dog’s description.   

How to surrender a dog: 

If you can no longer care for your dog, it can be surrendered to the local Dog Warden.   You must produce a valid dog licence and a surrender fee of €50 per dog will apply.