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Stray and lost dogs

Find out what to do if you lose your dog, or see a stray dog.

Lost dogs

Losing your dog can be stressful and emotional, but there are several steps you can take to find your pet:

Stray dogs

When a dog does not have a person in charge of it or no identification tags, and is wandering in a space it is not supposed to be, it may be a stray dog.

If you have found a stray dog that needs collecting please call us on 0344 482 8320.

This service is available 24 hours a day.

If the dog has an owner, and is reunited, the owner will be expected to pay the £25 statutory fine as well as any kennelling and vets’ fees below.

All collected dogs will  be checked for identification to return the dog to its owner. A report will then be filed on our contractor’s lost dogs’ website and with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Tips to avoid your dog straying

You are required by law to put an identification tag with your address and phone number on your dog when in a public place, so you can be contacted if your dog is found.

To avoid straying:

  • be in control of your dog
  • microchip your dog. This is now required by law.
  • never let your dog roam free on public roads or highways

If you have a garden, ensure the gates and fences are secure to avoid your dog from getting out.

    Published: 11 January 2021

    Last updated: 23 October 2023