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.

They will respond between 9:00am 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. A photograph of the dog alone will not be sufficient.

A dog will only be reunited with a person once we confirm they are the true owner of the dog, and once the fee has been paid.

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 

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

These fees are due when you collect your dog and once identification has been verified. The fees will be collected securely by debit or credit card.

• 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

We may impose fees of up to £75, in addition to those above, where the same dog is collected as a stray on more than one occasion.

Please note: If your dog has strayed and been involved in an accident or has been found to require veterinary attention, you will also be liable for any vets fees that are incurred.

Further notes for owners

Preventing your dog from straying is your 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 of up to £2,000.

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.