Stray Animals in Portugal

The occurrence of stray dogs and cats has impacts on their welfare, on public health, and on the safety of human populations and other animals.

Stray animals in Portugal – Source: National Census of Stray Animals 2023 – These numbers do not include animals under the care of animal welfare and protection institutions, or those housed in official municipal animal collection centers.

830K+

101K+

dogs

cats

According to the National Census of Stray Animals 2023, in most of the recorded observations, dogs and cats did not show signs compatible with health problems.

Around 88% of observed stray cats do not show signs of participation in the TNR (Trap – Neuter – Return) program. In rural areas, the lowest proportion of stray cats with TNR identification was recorded (1%). In intermediate areas, around 2% were detected, while the majority of cats with TNR signs (9%) were observed in urban areas.

Regarding strategies to prevent the growth of stray animal populations, penalties for abandonment, campaigns promoting responsible ownership, and awareness campaigns in schools receive the highest support among the proposed measures.

For all the reasons mentioned above, it is essential to raise public awareness about the rules of responsible pet ownership, to sensitize local authorities to the enforcement of animal protection and welfare regulations - namely the implementation of TNR programs - and to equip animal protection associations and shelters with the resources that allow them to maximize their impact by helping a greater number of animals.

Society’s attitudes towards pet ownership practices influence the prevalence of stray animals.