Stray

IMPORTANT: Stray is an independent app. It is NOT a government app and is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any government entity, municipality, or Municipal Canil. It does not represent or facilitate government services.

Found a stray cat or kittens in the Algarve? Stray walks you through what to do, step by step, so you can help without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're a resident, an expat, or a tourist, finding a stray cat can be stressful. You want to help, but you don't know where to start, who to call, or what the right thing to do is. Stray is here to guide you through it.

WHAT THE APP DOES

Stray gives you a simple 6-step process:

1. Check for a microchip — Find a nearby vet who can scan for free.
2. Check for an ear tip — A clipped ear means the cat has been neutered and may be part of a managed colony.
3. Ask locally — Many "stray" cats actually belong to someone nearby. The app links you to the biggest lost-and-found pet groups in the Algarve, plus the Encontra-me.org lost-pet database.
4. Foster temporarily — If you can take the cat in, even for a few days, the app explains how to do it safely, including health checks, quarantine advice, and sterilisation.
5. Contact a local organisation — A directory of cat charities and rescue groups across the Algarve, with phone numbers, emails, and websites.
6. Find your nearest canil — GPS-based lookup of all 16 Municipal Canils in the Algarve, with one-tap email to report the cat.

FEATURES

- Works in English and Portuguese
- GPS vet finder and canil locator
- One-tap email to your nearest canil, pre-filled with cat details in Portuguese and English
- Directory of rescue organisations across the Algarve
- Links to Facebook lost/found pet groups and Encontra-me.org
- Fostering guide with FIV/FeLV advice, quarantine tips, and sterilisation guidance
- Works offline, anywhere
- Fully accessible (WCAG AA)
- No ads. No tracking. Free forever.

INFORMATION SOURCE

Municipal Canils are official facilities known as Centros de Recolha Oficial de Animais. The official list of these facilities in Portugal is published by the ICNF (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas), Portugal's government nature and animal-welfare institute, at:
https://www.icnf.pt/animaisdecompanhia/alojamentosecentrosderecolhadeanimaisdecompanhia

The canil contact details shown in Stray are provided only as a convenience and may change without notice. Please confirm them against the official ICNF list above before relying on them.

DISCLAIMER: Stray is an independent app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing the ICNF, any government entity, any municipality, or any Municipal Canil, and it does not provide or facilitate government services. Stray is an information guide only, built with input from cat rescue organisations across the Algarve. To suggest an organisation or send feedback, use the contact page in the app.