What should I do if I find a stray dog?

Woodgreen Stray Dog Statement

At Woodgreen, we take in dogs with a wide range of needs and backgrounds. Some are brought to us when their owners can no longer look after them, others arrive because they have been lost or abandoned.

Local authorities (councils) have a legal responsibility to take in and care for stray dogs. This care and management can be contracted to suitable organisations like Woodgreen.

At our site in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, we have contracts with four councils to help them manage stray dogs. These are Huntingdon District Council, Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council and South Cambridge District Council.

We support these councils with the drop-off and collect of stray dogs. The service is provided 24 hours a day (except South Cambridge District Council: 08:00 – 16:30), seven days a week, 365 days a year. This ensures that homeless dogs can be accepted into Woodgreen at any time of the day or night.

Stray dogs are some of the most vulnerable animals we care for, as they are often lost and confused. We provide safe shelter for them and the care they need, including urgent medical treatment, for a period of seven days. During that time, we search for the original owners using information on the dog’s microchip and tag if they have these (both are a legal requirement). Where practicable, we will check lost and found websites, or respond to social media updates about lost pets. If the dog’s owner does not come forward (proof of ownership is required) within seven days, ownership of the dog is transferred to Woodgreen. We then assess the dog and start to look for their new home in line with our usual process for dogs who arrive in our care.

Councils charge fines for managing stray dogs. These fines are set by the respective council area. Woodgreen can accept payment on behalf of the councils and transfer the money to them; we do this because we feel it is in the best interest of the pet and owner to ensure the dog can go home as soon as possible when collected. Any disputes over fines should be taken up by the owner with the relevant council.

If you find a stray dog, contact your local council first to report it.

Then call us on 0300 303 9333 between 9am – 4pm, 7 days a week, for further advice should you need it.

If you find a stray dog outside these hours, please call us on 07775 847752, and we’ll do everything we can to help.

June 2024