Found a dog? What to do next
If you find a dog that seems to be lost, a few quick steps can get it home safely. These follow Dogs Trust's advice for the UK.
5 steps to take
Check for ID, if it's safe
Look at the collar for a tag with contact details. If the dog wears a QR tag, such as a PawTrak collar, scan it with your phone camera to see the owner's details.
Contact the owner
If there are contact details, get in touch and arrange to hand the dog back.
No ID? Contact the council's dog warden
If there's no ID, or you can't safely check, contact the dog warden at the local council. Act quickly: if you can't find the owner fast, let the warden know as soon as possible.
Let the microchip be scanned
The dog warden or the council's kennels will scan the dog's microchip. Dogs Trust notes that vets and rehoming centres usually can't take strays directly off the street, except in some emergencies.
Want to keep the dog? Tell the warden
By law you must tell the dog warden. Dogs Trust says you'd then need to keep the dog for 28 days, and legal ownership doesn't pass to you.
Handing a dog back safely
- Pick a safe, public place to meet
- Don't give away personal details you're not comfortable sharing
- Consider asking a friend to come with you
- Take your phone with you
- If something doesn't feel right, contact the dog warden instead
If the dog wears a PawTrak collar
Scan the QR plate with your phone camera. You'll see the dog's profile and can message the owner and share your location straight away. You don't need an app.
- You'll see vet and medical notes if the dog is hurt.
- You can look up nearby vets from the profile.
- If the owner has reported the dog lost, you'll see a banner saying so.
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