Cookie preferences
Toggle menu

Lost or stray dogs

A stray dog is one that is in a public place or on private land, with no owner present to control it. Most stray dogs in Guildford are people's pets that have run off. We are legally required to impound stray dogs roaming the borough. We use a contractor called SDK to do this.

We would like to reassure owners that dogs impounded in our borough will be housed in a licensed kennel where their welfare needs will be met.
Dogs impounded will have:

  • a warm bed
  • a bath
  • be well fed
  • a vet check and help (if needed). Owners of dogs requiring a vet's care will be responsible for paying for this

SDK care for the stray dogs they impound for seven days. After this time, new homes are found for unclaimed dogs.

SDK will scan each dog for a microchip and check collars and tags for identification and will contact the registered owner as soon as possible.

Fees

The fees for caring for stray dogs are:

  • £79 collection and call out charge plus £25 statutory fixed fee
  • £38.50 to return your dog to you
  • £30 per day for kennelling (including part day)
  • any emergency veterinary treatment (fees depend on treatment needed)
  • any other additional costs

How to report a stray dog

To report a stray dog which you have found and is in your care call our contractor SDK Environmental Ltd (opens new window) on 03444 828320. Their 24 hours service is available 365 days a year.

To report a neighbour who regularly allows their dog to stray, use our dog issue online form. We look into these complaints using antisocial behaviour legislation.

If you have lost your dog

You can report this via SDK's website. Select Guildford from the drop-down menu of SDK's council contracted areas.

You will be required to:

  • prove that you are the most recent keeper of the dog
  • pay the care fees for your dog (fee will depend how long your dog stayed in SDK's care)

SDK will then deliver your dog back to you.

Report lost dog to SDK (opens new window)

You may also want to:

Register a missing dog (opens new window)

If you think your dog is listed call SDK on 03444 828300. Leave your message and the team will return your call. This service operates seven days per week from 8.30am to 5pm.