Lost and stray dogs

Charges

Stray dogs that are taken to our holding kennels will incur a release fee, payment of this fee will be required so that you can collect your dog from these kennels.

You can pay this online using our form.

Collect your stray dog form

Although no legal obligation to do so, where circumstances allow, at reasonable times, if we are able to identify and contact the owner, we may return the dog without a charge. We will not return dogs that regularly stray free of charge.

If a dog is not claimed by its owner within seven days then we will attempt to rehome it.

Report a lost or found dog

If you have lost your dog or have found a stray dog, please contact us as soon as possible. If you have found a stray dog, please secure the dog safely until we collect them.

We provide a dog control call out service (for dogs that are secure) until 11pm, all year round. You can contact us outside of normal office hours on 01623 463050. However, we will attend emergency situations when necessary. 

Please follow our Facebook page (opens in a new window) where we post photos of the stray dogs currently in the care of our Dog Control Service. Click on photos, then albums and then the lost and stray dogs album.

Help us reunite the dogs with their owners by sharing the photos. If the dogs are not claimed after seven days, they become available for rehoming.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, please contact us and quote the appropriate reference number.

Stray dogs

Any unattended dog in a public or private place (where it is not permitted to be) is classed as a stray. In the UK, the Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that any dog in a public place must wear a collar and tag. This should clearly show the name and address of the dog's 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 8 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.

Dangerous dogs

Dangerous dogs are dealt with by the police. 

All reports of incidents involving dangerous dogs should be reported to the police immediately by calling 101.

How to prevent your dog from straying

Please see our how to stop your dog from straying page for advice.

Why is it nicer to neuter?

Neuter your dog and help in our fight against pet abandonment or just be a responsible dog owner and provide a better lifestyle for your pet.

Why?

  • Neutering may encourage less aggressive behaviour.
  • Dogs that are neutered are less likely to stray.
  • It helps prevent male dogs attempting to escape and seek out a local bitch in season.

If you wish to get your dog neutered contact your local vet or check out our Responsible dog ownership page for any current offers or promotions.

For further information on health and financial implications see Dogs Trust (opens in a new window).