Lost and Stray dogs

Who should I call if I have lost my dog?

If your dog is missing, please call the Dog Warden on 01483 444765 during office hours or Treetops Kennels during opening hours on 01483 572588.

If you know that your dog has been stolen, please report this to the Police on 0845 125 22 22 and the Dog Warden on 01483 444765.

What is a stray dog?

• A stray dog can simply be classed as any dog without an owner present to control it in a public place or on land where it has no permission to be. Most stray dogs are family pets that have escaped.
• Some stray dogs may have been abandoned by their owners.
• Dogs that have been let out to exercise themselves rather than being walked are also considered to be strays.

Why do strays have to be collected?

• Stray dogs can foul land.
• They may act aggressively.
• They may cause injury to road users and to themselves.
• They may kill or injure pets, wild animals or livestock.
• The Council has a legal duty to impound any stray dogs.

What should I do if I find a stray dog?

Guildford Borough Council is solely responsible for dealing with stray dogs found in Guildford Borough. Stray dogs are no longer accepted at police stations.

Guildford Borough Council provides a service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• During office hours, Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays, call 01483 444765. The Dog Warden can usually arrange to collect the stray.

• Out of hours, including weekends and Public Holidays you should take the dog to: Treetops Kennels, Old Portsmouth Rd Guildford, Surrey GU3 1LN. Please Note: this is a reception centre not a collection service.

What happens to the dog?

• The dog will be looked after by Treetops Kennels who have a kennel block dedicated just for the care of stray dogs.
• If the dog has a tag, a tattoo or is micro-chipped, attempts will be made to contact the owner.
• Dog owners have seven days to claim their pet.
• After seven days the Council has the legal right to re-home unclaimed dogs. The council use Ace-K9 rescue, who through their rescue website find loving homes for these dogs. Follow the link to see what dogs are currently looking for new homes.

Please note: Treetops Kennels act as agents for the Council's stray dog service and all decisions about releasing a dog are made by Guildford Borough Council. Treetops Kennels is a fully licensed Boarding Kennels and Cattery.

Does the owner have to pay to get their dog back?

Yes. A £25 fee is charged plus all expenses incurred to detain the dog these include:

• Daily kennelling fees.
• Transport fees.
• Administration fees.
• Veterinary fees and medication (if applicable).

This fee is set and not negotiable. The total amount must be paid before an impounded dog can be released.

The fees are currently:

1st day or part day: £52.50

2nd day or part day: £66.00

3rd day or part day: £79.50

4th day or part day: £93.00

5th day or part day: £106.50

6th day or part day: £120.00

7th day or part day: £134.00

What should dog owners do?

Dog owners need to ensure that their dog cannot stray and ensure it can be identified. This can be achieved in a number of ways:

• Make sure your property is secure and there are no escape routes.
• Don't leave the front door open and do not let your dog exercise itself unattended.
• Train your dog to return when you let it off the lead.
• Microchips are a great and cheap way of permanently identifying your dog. For information contact the Dog Warden.
• Keep up-to-date photographic records of your dog should you need to circulate 'Lost dog' info.

Please note: It is a legal requirement for dog owners to ensure that their dogs wear a collar and tag when in a public place. The owner's name, address and contact number details should be on the tag. A mobile number is best, since if you lose your dog you will probably be out looking for it.