Animal welfare (including dogs)

We will...

  • Promote responsible dog ownership across the Borough.
  • Investigate complaints relating to animal nuisance, including stray dogs, fouling and noise.
  • Provide a stray dog collection and kennelling service.
  • Inspect and licence horse riding establishments, dog breeders, animal boarding establishments, pet shops and dangerous wild animals.

From 6 April 2008 the Police will no longer have a responsibility to deal with stray dogs. Local Authorities will be required to provide a 24/7 service for collection of stray dogs. Details will be published nearer the time with an out-of-hours telephone number to contact should a stray dog be found outside normal office hours. Within normal hours the animal warden at Woking Borough Council can be contacted through the Council telephone number.

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How to be a responsible dog owner

  • Train your dog in elementary obedience.
  • Feed your dog at regular times and with a nutritionally balanced diet.
  • Feed your dog from his own dish.
  • Keep your dog on a lead anywhere near a road, or where there are other animals.
  • Train your dog not to foul in public places - if it does, "Scoop the poop"!
  • Remember your dog's bark can be a nuisance.
  • Provide your dog with his own bed.
  • Never take your dog into a food shop - always tie its lead to a post.
  • Keep your dog clean and regularly groomed.
  • If you do not want your dog to have puppies, obtain advice from your vet.
  • Make sure someone is caring for your dog when you go on holiday.
  • Register your pet with a vet of your choice.

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Further dog information