What to do if you find a stray dog

If you have lost your dog, you can check if our contractor has collected it by visiting the found dog website. You will need to select Swindon Borough Council from the ‘Contracted Council Areas’ dropdown menu.  

If you identify your dog on the website or wish our contractor to check for you, please call them on 03444 828300 and leave a message. We will respond between 8:30am and 5:00pm seven days a week.

In order to claim a dog that has been taken to our holding kennels you will be required to pay a fee (see below) before the animal will be released. 

You will also be required to provide proof of your own identification such as a driving licence or bank statement, as well as evidence that the dog is owned by you.

Typically, photographs of the dog would not be sufficient alone due to them commonly being shared on social media. Although social media has been useful in reuniting dogs and owners, it can make it difficult to determine ownership of a dog and may raise concerns over validity of any claims.

A dog will only be reunited with a person once we can confirm that they are the true owner of the dog.

Proof of ownership can include the following. We may require more than one of these depending on the individual circumstances:

• Proof of purchase and/or adoption papers
• Association registration 
• Pedigree papers
• Pet passport
• Microchip paperwork
• Insurance paperwork
• Vet documentation 

Multiple photos can be considered, generally in addition to supporting paperwork.

Examples of useful photographs include:

• photos of owner with dog
• photos of dog at home address
• photos of dog at different ages

Stray dog fees

Fees due are collected securely by debit or credit card.

If your dog has strayed and been involved in an accident or has been found to require veterinary attention, it may be taken to a vet. If this is the case, you will also be liable for the payment of the vet fees.

Preventing your dog from straying is the owner's responsibility. It is a legal requirement that your dog wears a collar and tag bearing your name and address when in a public place. The penalty for non compliance is a fine up to £2000.

Since 6 April 2016, it is also a requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks in England, to be fitted with a microchip to ensure that your contact details can be easily traced should your dog be lost or stolen. Failure to comply with this legislation can result in a fine of up to £500.

To claim your dog, you will be liable for the following fees:

• Return directly to owner without kennelling - Free of charge
• Statutory fee - £25
• Admin fee where the dog is correctly microchipped - £50
• Admin fee where the dog is not or incorrectly microchipped - £75
• Daily kennelling fee - £30
• Returning dog to owner - £75

Please note: We may impose additional fees of up to £75 where the same dog is collected as a stray on more than one occasion.