If you find a stray dog, we will come and collect it providing you can safely contain it (for example, if you have it on a lead). Do not put yourself or the animal at risk to do this.

You can report a stray dog, by calling us on 020 8770 5000.

What we will do 

We will come and collect the dog as soon as possible and look after it at our kennels while we try to find the owner. We can usually return a dog to the owner if the dog can be identified by a tag or micro-chip.

The owner must pay all costs incurred in collecting and looking after the dog which is currently set at £130. Kennelling fees may also apply.

If the owner doesn’t come forward within seven days, we will re-home the dog.

We keep an electronic register of all stray dogs found in the borough.

What to do if you lose your dog

If you have lost your dog, phone us as soon as you can and describe your dog as fully as possible. We can check if we've collected your dog.

Collars and tags

By law all dogs must wear a collar and tag with the owners details:

  • name
  • address
  • telephone number

If someone finds your dog and it is wearing a collar and tag, the finder is more likely to ring you before they call us.

We are only involved in collecting stray dogs when the finder cannot identify the owner.

You can report a stray dog, by calling us on 020 8770 5000 (including weekends).

Report a stray dog concern

All dogs must be micro-chopped with the owners details. Except for a few exceptions. The ownership details must be kept up to date.

You can receive a fine if your dog isn't micro-chipped. You can read about getting your dog micro-chipped for free on GOV.UK.