Algarve · Practical resource
Lost a pet or found an animal? It can be difficult to know what to do next — especially when you don't know whether an animal is lost, abandoned, injured or simply living outdoors as part of a colony.
We've brought together practical advice, official resources and local organisations to help you take the right next step.
You don't need to know whether an animal is technically a stray, lost, abandoned or part of a colony before you ask for help.
Before you move kittens, find out whether their mother is nearby and caring for them.
What should I do?A group of outdoor cats may be a managed colony rather than a group of lost pets.
Understand what to doA dog alone may be lost, abandoned or simply have escaped. Here's how to safely find out.
What should I do?Some animals need immediate veterinary or rescue assistance. Here's how to respond safely.
What should I do?An animal being alone doesn't always mean it has been abandoned. Here's how to look for clues.
How can I tell?If an animal appears to belong to someone, there are practical steps you can take to help reunite them.
Help find the ownerWild animals need different kinds of help. Sometimes the best thing is to leave them where they are; sometimes they need specialist assistance.
What should I do?If an animal is in traffic, trapped, seriously injured or facing immediate danger, safety comes first.
I need help nowIf an animal appears to belong to someone, a few simple steps can make reuniting them much more likely.
Avoid publishing every identifying detail. Keeping one or two details private can help verify that a person claiming the animal is genuinely the owner.
If an animal is injured, prioritise safety and veterinary assistance. Do not put yourself in danger trying to catch or move an unfamiliar or frightened animal.
Never enter dangerous water, climb unstable cliffs or enter traffic to rescue an animal.
The Algarve is also home to horses, donkeys and farm animals. For a missing large or farm animal, contact the local Câmara Municipal, GNR/SEPNA, nearby veterinary practices, farms, equestrian organisations and relevant rural community networks.
Do not attempt to move a large or frightened animal without appropriate experience and equipment.
If your pet has just disappeared, don't wait. Start searching the last-seen area and begin contacting the relevant organisations straight away.
Return to the last-seen location and search nearby hiding places.
Report the disappearance through SIAC as soon as possible.
Create a missing-pet notice on Encontra-me.org.
Notify the relevant Câmara Municipal/CRO, nearby veterinary practices and animal rescue organisations.
Post the information through local Facebook, WhatsApp and community networks.
Continue checking shelters, vets, municipal facilities and online listings.
Portuguese rules require the disappearance of an identified animal to be communicated to SIAC within 15 days. Do not wait for the deadline — report it as soon as possible.
Once the first steps are underway, these extra measures widen your search and keep it going.
If you have found a domestic dog or cat, checking identification may help reunite them with their family. A veterinary practice or authorised service can scan for a microchip and check the SIAC registration.
Portuguese rules ask for the disappearance of an identified animal to be communicated to SIAC within 15 days — it is best not to wait.
Encontra-me.org is the national lost-and-found noticeboard for animals in Portugal. Publish a notice there whether you have lost a pet or found one.
National services that can help wherever you are in the Algarve.
Lost & found database
Portugal (national)
Report a missing or found identified animal and keep your registration details correct.
Last verified: September 2026
Police
Portugal (national)
Animal-related incidents, animals in danger and environmental or animal welfare matters.
Last verified: September 2026
Police
Portugal (national)
Contact the police where theft, the deliberate taking of an animal or another potentially criminal situation is suspected.
Find your nearest PSP station and contact them directly. We do not publish a single national number for local stations.
Maritime
Algarve coast
Relevant for incidents involving beaches, ports, marinas, coastal waters and other maritime areas.
Contact the Maritime Police station covering the port or beach area concerned.
Lost & found database
Portugal (national)
Portugal's dedicated lost-and-found animal platform. Publish a missing or found animal notice.
Last verified: September 2026
Once you know what kind of help you need, find the right local organisation or professional.
Starts on municipal animal services — change it to vets, kennels, rescues and more.
0 places on the map
If your pet goes missing, don't wait for someone else to find them. Search, report, share and keep looking.
If you find an animal, remember that somewhere a family may be searching for them.
FOURFEET.guide helps pet owners discover trusted animal-related businesses, services, organisations and resources across the Algarve.
Information checked and maintained by FOURFEET.guide. Contact details can change, so please verify directly with the organisation when possible.
