Stray and lost dogs

If you find a stray dog you must under the law:

• return the dog to its owner
• contact us to let us know you have found a stray dog

If the finder fails to take one of these courses of action, they have committed an offence. This could lead, upon conviction, to a fine.

If you find a dog that you think is a stray there are a number of things you can do.

1. Make sure that it does not get harmed or cause harm to others
2. If the dog is wearing any identification, contact the owner to let them know you have found their dog. Some vets will scan a stray dog to see if it is microchipped. If it is microchipped the vet will try to contact the owner. You could try this as long as you are happy to transport the dog
3. If the dog has no identification or you cannot contact the owner contact us straight away. It is likely that there is a worried owner looking for their dog
4. If the dog is running loose secure it somewhere, if you can, where it can be collected. We cannot collect roaming dogs
5. Call 0300 126 7000. It must be noted that an officer is not on 24 hour call to attend to a stray dog. Arrangements can be made with the operator for collection of the dog the next working day. You can also report a stray or lost dog online

Lost a dog

If you lose your dog on a walk, stay where you lost him and keep calling. Do not wander around as you are likely to keep missing each other. Ask any other dog walkers to let you know if they spot your dog. Battersea have some useful information on things to do if you lose your dog.

Your dog may have already been found and kennelled. If your pet is wearing the correct identification you will receive a notice that the dog has been found. This notice will be needed to pay the costs stated. Contact the local vets in case your dog has been injured and taken to them.

If your dog is microchipped contact Pet Log on 01296 336 579, to advise them that your dog is missing. Pet Log run the 24/7 central reunification service.

You can make some posters and put them in the area where you lost him/her. You can also put your dogs details on websites that help find lost dogs such as Doglost on 0844 8003220.

Collecting a stray dog

When we collect a dog it is taken to our contracted kennels, but if we can identify the owner we will try and get in contact with them first.

Dogs collected in the Northampton/South Northamptonshire area will be taken to

Appledown
Harling Road
Eaton Bray
Dunstable
LU6 1QY
Tel: 01525 220383

Dogs collected in the Daventry area will be taken to

Pawprint Dunsmore Kennels
Fosse Way
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV23 ORL
Tel: 01788 833322

You will be asked to provide identification and you will be asked to pay a fine, the daily cost of kennelling and any veterinary costs. You may be asked to pay any fees to the Council and/or Kennels.

Please call the kennel to arrange a suitable time for collection. Please note kennels are not open 24 hours and you may need to wait until the next day to collect your dog.

Depending on where you have lost your dog it may be worth calling some of our neighbouring councils in case one of them has collected your dog.

Last updated 23 October 2023