Stray dogs
Any unattended dog in a public or private place (where it is not permitted to be) is classed as a stray.
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, any dog in a public place must wear a collar and tag that clearly show the name and address of their owner. It is against the law not to do so and the owner may be prosecuted and fined.
Since 6 April 2016, unless exempt, all dogs over eight weeks of age must be microchipped by the keeper of that dog and registered on an authorised UK database (see our Microchipping page). If you sell your dog or move, you must ensure the details on the database remain up to date. Failure to comply with this legislation may result in a fine. Even if your dog is microchipped, it still needs to wear a collar and tag.
Report a lost or found dog
Changes to our stray dog collection service become effective from 1 April 2025.
From this date, the collection service for stray dogs will operate from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have lost your dog or have found a stray dog, please contact us as soon as possible. To report a stray dog, phone 01623 463189. You will need to provide your name, address, telephone number, and email. You will also need to provide:
- Description of the dog, such as its breed, size, colour, gender, if known;
- The exact location where the dog is being kept. We cannot collect roaming dogs. If the dog is running loose, secure it somewhere so that it can be collected.
You can also do a number of things to help find the owner of a stray dog:
- Check if the dog is wearing a collar or tag with the owner's contact details on it. If so, contact the owner to 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 until we can collect it.
- Post a picture of the dog on Facebook groups.
Outside normal service hours, you may be able to take a stray dog to a collection point. Phone 07811 117067, you will need to provide contact details and proof of identity.
When a stray dog enters our kennels, we will try to reunite it with its owners. If, after seven days, no one has claimed the dog, we will then try to find it a new home. If you are interested in adopting a dog, please contact us and quote the appropriate reference number. We will only put a dog to sleep as a last resort.
Please follow our Facebook page (opens in a new window) where we post photos of the stray dogs currently in our care.
Charges
If your dog strays and is taken to our holding kennels, you will have to pay a release fee before you can collect your dog from the kennels. You can pay this online using our form.
Depending on the circumstances in which a dog has strayed, we may occasionally return a dog without a charge. This will not apply to dogs that regularly stray.
Dangerous dogs
If a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place or causing a traffic hazard, you should contact the police on 101 or 999.
How to prevent your dog from straying
Please see our how to stop your dog from straying page for advice.
Neutering
Having a dog neutered is a sign of being a responsible dog owner and can provide a better lifestyle for your pet. A dog that is neutered is less likely to stray. It may also encourage less aggressive behaviour and prevent male dogs from attempting to escape and seek out a bitch in season.
If you wish to get your dog neutered, contact your local vet or check out our Responsible dog ownership page.
For further information on health and financial implications see Dogs Trust (opens in a new window).
For further information on health and financial implications see Dogs Trust (opens in a new window).