Stray dogs

Nearly all the dogs you see roaming the streets have homes, but their owners are often too irresponsible to care for them properly. We promote responsible dog ownership and deal with stray dogs. For stray animals other than dogs, contact the RSPCA.

Straying dogs are collected by our animal welfare officers. If a stray dog is picked up by us it will be contained without causing stress to the animal and will be scanned for a microchip. If one is found we will contact the owner as soon as possible and return the dog for a fee (.pdf, 35Kb). If we are unable to contact the owner, the dog will be taken to the Councils kennelling facility.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 s. 149(6). states ''If not claimed within 7 days of seizure or, if a notice has been served, within 7 days of its service, the dog warden may sell or give the dog to a suitable person or to a dogs' home (who in either case will become its owner), or may have it destroyed.''

If members of the public find a dog they can take the dog to the Mayhew Animal Home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or transport the dog to Battersea Dogs Home.

Alternatively they can contact this service between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. 

Outside these hours contact us on 020 8937 1234

It is a legal requirement for the finder of a stray dog to inform the local Council of the found dog. We will then be able to visit and scan the dog for a microchip and search our database for similar dogs reported missing. We would also recommend finders of stray dogs contact Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Lost Dogs and Cats Line on 0901 477 8477 or fill out an online form.

Please see our found dogs page for information on dogs that have recently been found straying.

Brent Environmental Health has won a Gold Footprint Award, 2 years in a row, for their stray dog procedure.