Paws for Success

No matter how careful owners are, dogs still wander off or escape sometimes. So, if you find a dog, here’s what to do. 

o Check to see if the dog is wearing a collar and tag – if so you will hopefully be able to reach his owners and return him. 

o If you can’t get a response or the dog has no tag on, call your local dog warden and ask them to collect the dog. Rehoming centres can only take the dog in after the dog warden has had the dog for seven days. 

o If the dog is injured, call the local vets. If it’s out of hours there should be a 24 hour vets nearby and they will help. 

o The vet or dog warden should scan the dog for a microchip – if chipped, the owner’s details will come up on the system so the owners can be contacted. 

o Notify www.doglost.co.uk and the Missing Pet Register - it helps if you take a picture of the dog before you hand it over as descriptions sometimes don't match what the owner would say.

 It is not advisable to look after the dog in your own home because you may become emotionally attached and by law, you have to inform the appropriate authorities that you have found the dog. 

 Another big benefit is that if the owners have to claim the dog from the dog warden, the warden will be able to give advice on identification and discuss responsible dog ownership, so it doesn’t happen again.