How to post a great found-pet listing
Tips for creating effective listings when you find a lost pet
You're a Hero - Help Reunite Families
Finding a lost pet is just the first step. A well-written listing can be the difference between a quick reunion and a pet spending weeks away from home.
Safety First - Before You Post
Immediate Pet Safety
- Check for injuries - contact vet if needed
- Provide fresh water and basic food
- Keep in secure, quiet area
- Check for collar, tags, or microchip
- Take photos immediately
Your Safety & Legal Protection
- Approach carefully - even friendly pets may bite when scared
- Never give your home address publicly
- Meet potential owners in public places
- Ask for proof of ownership before handing over
- Report to local Gardaí if valuable breed
Take Perfect Photos That Get Results
Essential Shots (4-6 photos)
- 1Face close-up - Clear view of eyes, nose, mouth
- 2Full body side view - Shows size and build
- 3Distinctive markings - Scars, patches, unique features
- 4Collar/tags - If present, photograph clearly
Photo Quality Tips
- 💡Good lighting: Natural light or well-lit room
- 📱Hold steady: Avoid blurry shots
- 👁️Pet's eye level: Get down to their height
- 🎯Focus on face: Eyes should be sharp and clear
- 📏Include size reference: Next to familiar objects
Avoid These Mistakes
- ❌Blurry photos: Owners can't identify features
- ❌Too far away: Pet should fill most of frame
- ❌Dark/shadowy: Features not visible
- ❌Only one angle: Multiple views help identification
- ❌Busy backgrounds: Keep focus on the pet
Write a Description That Gets Responses
Essential Details to Include
"Medium-sized dog, appears to be Border Collie mix"
"Approximately 20kg, comes up to my knee"
"Black and white, white chest patch, brown spot on left ear"
"Red leather collar, metal tag but text is worn off"
"Very friendly, responds to commands, house-trained"
Location & Time Details
"Found on Main Street near Tesco, Citywest"
"Monday, March 15th around 3:30pm"
"Found after heavy rain, was sheltering under shop awning"
"Approached me while walking, no owners in sight"
"Safe with me in [general area], please contact to arrange viewing"
✅ Example of Great Description
"FOUND: Friendly Female Golden Retriever - Citywest Area"
Found this beautiful golden retriever on Monday 15th March around 3:30pm on Main Street near Tesco in Citywest. She's medium-large size (about 25kg), cream/golden colored with slightly darker ears. Wearing a blue collar with silver tags, but name is scratched off.
She's very well-behaved, house-trained, and knows basic commands like "sit" and "stay". Clearly much-loved and missing her family. Has small scar on left front paw and distinctive white patch on chest.
Currently safe and being cared for. She's eating well and gets along with other dogs. Please contact with proof of ownership - photos, vet records, or ability to call her by name. Microchip will be checked.
Create Searchable Titles & Use Keywords
✅ Great Title Examples
- ✓"FOUND: Small Jack Russell Terrier - Dublin 4"
- ✓"Found Black Cat with White Paws - Galway City"
- ✓"FOUND: Large German Shepherd Mix - Cork"
- ✓"Found Friendly Tabby Cat - Limerick Area"
❌ Poor Title Examples
- ✗"Cute dog found"
- ✗"Anyone missing a pet?"
- ✗"Help me find this dog's owner"
- ✗"Found animal - please share"
Search Keywords to Include
Basic Terms:
- •Found
- •Dog/Cat/Pet
- •Breed name
- •Size (small/large)
Colors:
- •Black, Brown, White
- •Golden, Grey, Tabby
- •Spotted, Striped
- •Multi-colored
Locations:
- •City/Town name
- •County
- •Dublin 1, Dublin 2, etc.
- •Local landmarks
Features:
- •Collar, Tags
- •Friendly, Shy
- •Young, Old
- •Male, Female
Verify Real Owners & Prevent Scams
Request Proof of Ownership
- Photos: Ask for multiple photos of pet from different times
- Pet's name: They should know the name immediately
- Vet records: Recent vaccination or medical records
- Microchip info: They should know chip number or company
- Distinctive features: Scars, markings, or behaviors
🚩 Warning Signs & Red Flags
- ⚠️Can't provide pet's name or basic info
- ⚠️Only has generic photos (could be from internet)
- ⚠️Urgent pressure to hand over pet immediately
- ⚠️Offers money without seeing pet first
- ⚠️Story changes or doesn't match timeline
- ⚠️Refuses to meet in public place
Safe Handover Process
- 1Initial Contact: Exchange basic information and ask for proof
- 2Video Call: Let them see the pet and confirm it's theirs
- 3Public Meeting: Meet at a busy public place (shopping center, park)
- 4Pet Recognition: Watch for immediate recognition between pet and owner
- 5Microchip Check: Visit local vet to verify chip details if in doubt
Where to Post for Maximum Visibility
Primary Platforms
-
Lost.ie
Ireland's largest lost & found network
-
Facebook Local Groups
Search "[Your Area] Lost & Found Pets"
-
DSPCA / Local SPCAs
Report to animal welfare organizations
Social Media Boost
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Twitter/X
Use hashtags #LostPetsIreland #FoundPet
-
Instagram
Story highlights and posts with location tags
-
Nextdoor App
Neighborhood-specific alerts
Local Resources
-
Local Vets
Most have notice boards and regular clients
-
Pet Shops
Ask to post on their notice boards
-
Local Radio
Many have lost & found segments
Follow-Up & Ongoing Care
While Waiting for Owner:
- •Update listings every 2-3 days
- •Check responses regularly
- •Maintain pet's health and comfort
- •Take additional photos if needed
- •Expand search radius if no responses
Long-Term Considerations:
- •Contact local animal shelters
- •Consider temporary fostering if needed
- •Vet check if keeping longer term
- •Know legal obligations in your area
- •Consider permanent rehoming as last resort
Thank You for Caring
By taking the time to help a lost pet, you're making a real difference in someone's life. Every reunited pet is a family made whole again. Your compassion and effort matter more than you know.