Report a lost or found animal

What to do if you've lost your pet

You can tell us you've lost your dog, cat or other pet by calling 01442 228455 (8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.45am to 4.30pm on Fridays). We will log the details and will contact you when it is found.

If you have lost your pet, contact your microchip database to tell them. The Check a Chip website can tell you which database your pet’s microchip is registered with.

What to do if you find a dog

All dogs must wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address on it when in a public place. If you find a dog that is wearing a collar and tag, you may wish to contact the owner directly. If you know the owner of the dog, you must return it to them or you must report it to us as soon as possible. Not doing this is a criminal offence and you could face a fine.

We will make all reasonable attempts to locate the owner of any animal we have collected. This includes checking the details on the collar tag and scanning for a microchip.

If you can't locate the owner then you must let us know:

During office hours

If you find a stray dog, please call 01442 228455 (8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.45am to 4.30pm on Fridays). 

We can arrange to collect the dog during office hours. It must be in a confined place - for example, a house, workplace or small secure garden. We will also collect a dog that has been secured on a lead, as long as someone is willing to wait with it.

Outside office hours

Outside of the above hours our appointed stray dog kennels will be able to assist you. If you have safely confined a stray dog and are able to transport it, you can take it direct to the kennels. 

Before taking a stray dog direct to the kennels, you must contact them:

Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

• Address: Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QY
• Telephone: 01525 220383

Loose or aggressive stray dogs

We cannot respond to reports of stray dogs that are roaming free or uncontained. If you think you can safely contain the dog in a secure area, such as a garden, then please approach with caution. Do not put yourself or others at risk to do so.

If the dog is near or on a main road, or if it appears to be aggressive and out of control in a public place, then call 101 to report it to the police. If there is an immediate risk to public safety, then call 999.