Stray and lost dogs

If you've lost a dog, found a dog, or spotted a stray get in touch. 

Found and stray dogs

Our stray dog service is changing.

We now operate a stray dog collection service between 8:30am and 5:00pm only, Monday to Friday.

To report a stray dog complete the 'Report a Stray Dog' form on this page, or contact us at the contact details on this page.

To report, we will need your contact details including name, address, telephone and email.

Additionally we will need:

• Description of the dog - such as breed, size, colour and gender if known.
• If the dog is running loose, secure it somewhere it can be collected. We cannot collect roaming dogs.
• When the dog has been secured, the exact location the dog is being kept.

Outside of these hours if you find a dog you think is a stray there are a number of things you can do.

• Check to see if the dog is wearing a collar or tag with any contact details on it - if so, contact the owner and let them know you have found their dog.
• Some vets will scan a stray dog to see if it is microchipped. If it is microchipped the vet may try to contact the owner.
• Make sure the dog does not get harmed or cause harm to others.
• Look after the dog yourself until we can collect it.

You may also be able to take the stray dog to a kennel, outside of hours phone 01909 731792 for information.

We will only take a dog with the following information:

• Your contact details including name, address, telephone and email.
• Description of the dog - such as breed, size, colour and gender if known.
• The exact location the dog was found.

When a stray dog enters our kennels we will try to reunite it with its owners. If no one claims the dogs after seven days, attempts will be made to try and find it a new home.

We will only put a dog to sleep as a last resort.

Report a stray or lost dog

Dangerous dogs

If a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place, or causing a traffic hazard, you should contact the police.

Lost dogs

If you lose your dog you can telephone us on the number in the contact details, on this page.

If we find your dog we'll try and reunite you as soon as possible. This is easier if your dog is wearing a collar and disc, or is micro-chipped. The first time we try to return the dog to you will be free of charge but second or more attempts will be charged. 

We must keep found dogs for 7 days at our kennels to try and reunite them with owners. After this time they will be eligible for re-homing. 

If we pick your dog up and it has no form of identification, such as a collar and disc and microchip, you'll be charged for its return. You could also be prosecuted or fined. 

Collar and disc

The laws says your dog must wear a collar with a tag showing name and address of the owner when it is in a public place. It is also recommended you put a mobile phone number on the tag.

As well as being law it is more likely a member of the public will be able to return your dog if it has a collar and disc on it. This will also help you avoid any charges we may have to make for kennelling or returning your dog. 

Microchipping

The law says dog owners must microchip their dogs and up-to-date contact details must be stored. 

A microchip is a permanent form of identification where a 'chip', about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the dog's skin between its shoulder blades. A dog warden or vet can then scan the dog to find details to trace an owner. 

If you move house, sell your dog or give it away you should update the database with the new details. 

A vet can microchip your dog.