Lost and stray dogs

The Council is required to deal with stray dogs within its area.  A dog may reasonably be treated as a stray if it is roaming freely and not under the control of any person.  Dogs that are picked up are well looked after in kennels for a seven day period, after which time they may be re-homed.

If a stray dog is impounded a release fee (including any veterinary expenses incurred) must be paid to the Council. The fee varies depending on how long the dog has been at the kennels. The dog will not be released and reunited with its owner until the fees have been paid in full.  There is no provision for payment by instalment.  Payments can be made at the Civic Offices, over the telephone on 01483 755855 using a debit or credit card, or in person at the cash office during opening hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 4.45pm), or any time online. For further information about payment methods or to make an online payment follow this link.

I've lost my dog - what can I do?

  • Search your property thoroughly.
  • Contact the dog warden, during normal office hours (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm) phone 01483 755855.
    Outside of normal office hours phone (Monday to Friday, 5pm to 8.30am, including all day Saturday, all day Sunday and Bank Holidays) 01483 730872.
  • Contact the RSPCA.
  • Walk the neighbourhood and retrace your last steps with your pet. Talk to people and leave your phone number in case anyone sees him. Make sure there is someone at home in case he wanders back, or someone finds him and tries to return him to you.
  • Prepare a simple poster with a photograph and ask local vets, pet shops, etc. to display it.
  • You may also like to consider publishing information in the 'lost and found' column of the local newspaper. You may wish to contact the Woking News and Mail.
  • Use the internet - there are various sites aimed at finding pets including those dedicated to locating particular breeds of dog.
  • When you have found your dog, please take time to advise the people who are helping to look for your pet and remove any unwanted posters.

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How can I stop my dog becoming a stray?

  • Make sure your garden is escape proof, check fences and hedges regularly - and if your dog can possibly push its way through - fix it now!
  • If your dog charges for the front door when you open it, either put it in another room before you open the door or preferably train it not to.
  • Make sure your dog always wears a collar and tag when out.
  • If your dog is inclined to run off, either keep it on a lead or train it to come when called.
  • Have your dog tattooed or micro-chipped to ensure easy identification if it does become lost. Contact your vet for further information on this.

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What should I do if I find a stray dog?

  • If you find a dog that appears to be without its owner you are obliged by law to inform the Council / Police and make efforts to find the dog's owner.
  • If the dog is wearing a collar and tag, or you know where the dog lives, please attempt to return it to it's owner in the first instance.
  • If you wish to keep the dog, you may do so 'under licence' for one month, during which time, if the owner comes forward, you must return it. To keep a dog under licence, you must complete the necessary paperwork available from the dog warden.

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What happens to stray dogs that are collected by the Council?

  • The dogs are taken to kennels where they are kept for seven days.
  • If the owner comes forward, and pays the fine and charges, the dog is delivered back to him.
  • If the dog is not claimed within seven days, all reasonable attempts are made to re-home them.
  • If the dog cannot be re-homed due to illness or behavioural problems it will be destroyed.