Stray and lost dogs
Contents
- Stray and lost dogs
- List of stray and lost dogs
Stray and lost dogs
Reporting a stray dog
If you find a dog that appears to be lost, report it as soon as possible.
If it is safe, secure the dog in a place where it cannot escape.
Such as:
- a secure garden
- a secure building or enclosed area
- on a suitable lead
Our stray dog collection service can then arrange collection, the service operates 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Do not put yourself or anyone else at risk when trying to catch or restrain a dog.
You can also use our online form.
Dogs that are roaming
In most cases, we can only collect a stray dog if it has been safely secured before an officer arrives.
We do not normally send officers to search for roaming dogs because the dog's location can change quickly.
Contact the police if a roaming dog presents an immediate risk to public safety.
Particularly near:
- schools or places used by vulnerable people
- care homes
- railway lines
- dual carriageways
- motorways and other major roads
To help us respond appropriately.
Tell us:
- the dog's appearance
- its location
- the direction it was travelling
The council's stray dog collection service operates from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
If you find a stray dog after 8pm and can secure it safely, we may ask you to keep it secure overnight until collection can take place the next morning.
Alternatively, we may arrange for the dog to stay at a nearby veterinary practice until collection.
Call 0300 126 7000 for advice.
Do not put yourself at risk when handling a frightened, aggressive or injured dog.
We prioritise the welfare and safety of every dog we collect.
The officer will:
- photograph and record the dog
- check for visible injuries or welfare concerns
- scan for a microchip
- check any collar and identification tag
- use available identification and microchip details to identify the owner
- transport the dog safely to the council's contracted kennels
We can arrange veterinary treatment if there are concerns about the dog's health or welfare.
Reporting a lost dog
Losing a dog can be distressing. Taking action quickly increases the chance of being reunited with your dog.
Steps to take when your dog is missing
Taking action quickly can improve the chances of being reunited with your dog.
Consider the following steps:
- report your dog missing to the council
- stay near the location where your dog was last seen - dogs sometimes return to the place where they last saw their owner
- report your dog as missing and check that your contact and microchip details are correct
- contact local veterinary practices, someone may have taken your dog to a vet for identification or treatment
- contact neighbouring councils
- contact local rescue centres and kennels - your dog may have been handed in
- register your dog with DogLost, which is a national lost and found dog service
- keep your phone available at all times
Dogs collected by the council
Dogs collected through the council's stray dog service are taken to:
Appledown Kennels
Harling Road
Eaton Bray
Dunstable
LE6 1QY
You can contact them via telephone on 01525 200383.
Contact the kennels before travelling to confirm that your dog is there and to arrange collection.
Dogs can be collected between 9am and 5pm. The kennels are not open 24 hours a day.
If you believe a dog at the kennels belongs to you, you must provide evidence that you are the owner or keeper.
Bring:
- photographic identification
- your dog's microchip details
- veterinary records showing you as the owner or keeper
- pet insurance documents, if available
- photographs or other evidence of ownership
- any additional documents requested by the council or kennels
A photograph of the dog on its own is not proof of ownership.
You must pay all applicable charges before your dog can be released.
Owners are responsible for all charges associated with reclaiming a stray dog.
Charges may include:
- the statutory stray dog fee
- council administration and collection charges
- kennelling charges
- veterinary treatment and medication costs
- other reasonable costs incurred while caring for the dog
Current charges for 2025 to 2026
| Charge | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Stray dog collection fee | 140 |
| Stray dog administration fee | 11 |
| Statutory stray dog fee | 25 |
| Kennelling fee (per day or part day) | 25 |
| Emergency veterinary treatment | Cost of treatment provided |
We keep stray dogs for the statutory period of 7 days to allow the owner to reclaim them.
During this period, we may use microchip records, identification tags and other available information to identify and contact the owner.
If a dog is not reclaimed within the statutory period, it may be considered for rehoming.
We will seek the most suitable outcome for the dog, taking account of its:
- health
- welfare needs
- behaviour
- individual circumstances
Information for all dog owners
Dog owners have legal responsibilities for identification and microchipping.
When in a public place, a dog should wear a collar displaying the legally required identification details.
Dogs must also be microchipped in line with current legislation.
Keep your dog's identification and microchip details up to date.
Including:
- your name
- your address
- your telephone number
- any other required contact information
Accurate identification and microchip records make it more likely that you will be reunited quickly with your dog.
Last updated 25 August 2026