Lost or stray dogs

We will collect stray dogs that are confined and under your direct control and care.

To arrange a collection please call 03444 828 320 (standard rate and mobile friendly number).

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including bank holidays.

Lost dogs

If you have lost your dog and think your dog may have been collected by the Dog Warden service, please visit lostdogsuk.co.uk - this website has details of found dogs.

Details of dogs collected by the council Dog Warden service are uploaded to the website within 24 hours and if you do not have access to the internet between 08:30am and 17:00 pm you can call the service on 03444 828 300 where we will be able to check the website for you.

Stray dogs

Where the owner cannot be found, stray dogs are sent to one of our kennels for seven days, during which time the owner has the opportunity to come forward to claim their dog.

After seven clear days, all unclaimed stray dogs will be transferred to a rescue charity for re-homing.

The Council operates a non-destruct policy and unclaimed dogs are only ever put to sleep if the dog is a banned breed; if there is veterinary advice; or a behavioural concern that would require them to be put to sleep humanely.

Dangerous or aggressive dogs

Should you have concerns with dangerous situations such as dogs causing a hazard to traffic or you have a complaint regarding a dangerous dog, or you have been attacked by another dog please call the police on 101.

Microchipping

From April 2016 it became law that all dogs must be microchipped - breeders must microchip puppies before they are sold at eight weeks. If you sell, re-home your dog, or move address, it will be an offence not to have the details on the microchip database updated.

Dog tag service

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that "every dog while in a highway or in a place of public resort shall wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a plate or badge attached to it." A telephone number is option but always advised.

A dog's welfare

The welfare of the dog is paramount, and we ensure that all stray dogs found in the borough and brought into our care are treated humanely and are not subjected to any further pain or suffering, including stress.

We adhere to the principles within the Animal Welfare Act 2006, namely the need:

  • For a suitable environment
  • For a suitable diet
  • To be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
  • To be housed with, or apart from, other animals
  • To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

All dogs picked up by our service will be thoroughly checked for identification in an attempt to return the dog to its owner.

How to reclaim a dog

If we have your dog, you can reclaim it by calling 03444 828 300 during office hours.
You will need to provide:

  • proof of residential address (e.g. utility bill); and
  • proof of ownership e.g. kennel club registration, microchip details, vet bill, family pet photo, vet bill. (A photograph alone may not be sufficient proof of ownership)

You will also be asked to pay a charge for the collection and kennelling of your dog:

  • Statutory fine £25.00
  • Daily kennelling fee £28.80
  • Administration fee £18.20

Where you dog has required veterinary treatment, you will also be asked to pay these fees.

Payment must be made over the telephone by debit or credit card prior to you being reunited with your dog.

Lost cats

We do not provide a service for lost cats. If you have lost your cat:

  • Contact Battersea Lost Dogs and Cats Line to file a missing report (0901 477 8477 Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm)
  • Contact local veterinary practices, animal shelters and animal hospitals
  • If your cat is micro chipped, contact the relevant database to ensure that your details are up-to-date
  • Make flyers and posters with your missing pet's description and photographs

Animal welfare

Unfortunately, the Dog Warden Service does not deal with animal welfare issues so please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.