If a dog is without its owner in a public place (or a private place where it does not have permission to be) then it is classed as a stray dog.
What to do if you find a stray dog
If you find a stray dog you should check for a collar/tag and if so contact the owner. If they are not wearing a collar/tag then you should submit a lost or stray dog report.
Do not contact or take a stray dog to the kennels without submitting a report to our dog warden service first as you will be turned away.
Dangerous dogs
Our dog warden service does not deal with dangerous dogs.
If the dog has injured someone, or behaves in a way that makes you worried it might injure someone, please call the police non-emergency number on 101 instead.
Report a lost or stray dog
We hold a register of all lost or stray dogs that have been reported or collected by us. Complete our online form to place a dog on this register.
You can also call us during normal office hours (8.30am – 5pm) on 01978 298989.
During out of hours (weekdays 5pm – 10pm or during weekends and bank holidays 8.30am – 10pm) call 01978 292055.
If you have previously reported your dog as lost but they have now been found you should also let us know, so that we can update our register.
What happens after you report a stray dog to us
During normal working hours
We will collect the dog from you provided we can be satisfied that the dog is not your own.
If it is the first time the dog has been reported as a stray we will make all reasonable efforts to contact the owner and return the dog home. If we are unable to do this the dog will be taken to our contracted kennels.
During out-of-hours
We run a collection service for dogs which are being held in a property until 10pm, then after 10pm a reception service at the kennels (there is no collection provided after 10pm).
Contracted kennels
All stray dogs collected are taken to our contracted kennels:
Acorn Kennels Ltd
Heath Road
Whitchurch
Shropshire
SY13 2AA
Tel: 01948 662931
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9am to 6pm
Owners of lost dogs
You will be contacted the day your dog is taken to the kennels if it has a form of ID with contact details on, or it has been reported to us/kennels as being lost.
If your dog is collected out of hours then you will be contacted the next working day.
Lost dog fees and charges
When claiming your dog you will have to pay a fee to cover the costs of us providing our stray dog service. The statutory fee also includes a prescribed amount set by the government.
A daily kennelling fee will also be charged.
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Statutory fee (including collection) | £60 |
| Daily kennelling fee | £13 |
Any necessary vet fees will be charged as extra on top of these fees.
Know your responsibilities
As a dog owner you have a legal responsibility to make sure your dog is correctly microchipped and has a collar/tag – find out more about microchipping and dog collar responsibilities.