If you find a dog and have possession of it, the law requires you to return it if possible to the owner.
Lost, found and stray dogs
If you have lost your dog, or found a lost dog, follow our advice to help reunite pets with their owners.
Top tips to help find your lost dog:
- Your dog's microchip - phone the database they are registered with and report them as missing.
- Contact your local authority dog warden to report the dog missing.
- Notify your local vets, rehoming centres and police.
- Register your dog on missing pet websites and social media pages.
Stray dogs and found dogs
If you have found a healthy looking dog:
- Report the dog to your local authority dog warden.
- Ring local vets, rescue centres and police.
- If it is safe to do so, check whether the dog is wearing a tag, call the number and leave a message.
- Ask local vets to scan them for a microchip.
- Check listings and add details on missing pet websites and social media.
- Our council contract does not enable us to take stray dogs directly into the kennels out of hours.
If you decide to take the dog home while you wait for the warden to arrive, please be aware that lost dogs may be scared and distressed, if you are unsure about their behaviour please don’t approach the dog and wait for the dog warden to attend.
Keeping your dog safe
By law, your dog should be microchipped. When in a public place, make sure they wear a collar and tag with your name, address and phone number on, this will help you find your dog if they go missing.