What to do if you find a stray dog
Reclaiming a stray dog
If your dog is taken in as a stray and removed to the dog pound, you will need to pay costs. A charge of £25, plus additional costs incurred, will depend on the following:
- The number of 24-hour periods the dog remains in the pound before being reclaimed
- Whether this is the first incident, the second or subsequent occurrence in a period of 12 months
- In the case of the first incident, whether the dog has been correctly tagged and micro-chipped
Stray dog fees
| Number of days | Directly returned to owner | Returned to owner in 24 hours (dog taken to pound) | Returned to the owner (2 nights at the pound) | Returned to the owner (3 nights at the pound) | Returned to the owner (4 nights at the pound) | Returned to the owner (5 nights at the pound) | Returned to the owner (6 nights at the pound) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory charge | £25 | £25 | £25 | £25 | £25 | £25 | £25 |
| Additional recovery cost (correct tag or chip data on dog). Single incident. | NIL | £12 | £27 | £42 | £57 | £72 | £87 |
| Total | £25 | £37 | £52 | £67 | £82 | £97 | £112 |
| Additional recovery cost (no tag or chip or incorrect data on dog). Single incident. | £25 | £37 | £52 | £67 | £82 | £97 | £112 |
| Total | £50 | £62 | £77 | £92 | £107 | £122 | £137 |
| Additional recovery cost (second incident in 12 months, identifiable or otherwise). |
£50 | £72 | £87 | £102 | £107 | £132 | £147 |
| Total | £75 | £97 | £112 | £127 | £142 | £157 | £172 |
| Additional recovery cost (more than 2 incidents in 12 months, identifiable or otherwise). |
£100 | £112 | £127 | £142 | £142 | £172 | £197 |
| Total | £125 | £137 | £152 | £167 | £182 | £197 | £212 |
Please note: Proof of ownership will be required before a dog can be released.
To re-claim a stray dog, see the contact information on the dog warden webpage.