Report a lost or found dog

What to do if you've lost your dog

If you have lost your dog please report it to our Dog Warden Service. We will log the details and will contact you when the dog is found.

If your dog is taken to the kennels you may need to pay a release fee. This contributes to the costs involved in looking after your dog.

Report a lost dog by calling us on:

  • 01903 221064 (weekdays, 9:00am to 5:30pm)
  • 07713 889128 (out of hours and weekends)

What to do if you find a dog

If you have found a stray, lost or abandoned dog please report it to us by calling:

  • 01903 239999 (weekdays, 9:00am to 5:30pm)
  • 07713 889128 (out of hours and weekends)

During working hours, seven days a week, we will attend as quickly as possible and keep you and the dog safe. We will scan for a microchip on the spot and do all we can to return the dog to its owner immediately. If we can't get the dog back to its owner then we will make arrangements to keep the dog in a safe place until it can be returned.

Outside of working hours we ask that you either:

  • take possession of the dog if it is safe to do so (your safety must come first) and take it (or ask that someone else take it) to:
    • Grove Lodge Vets 24 hour Veterinary Hospital: 18 Upper Brighton Road, Worthing, BN14 9DL
    • tel: 01903 234866
  • or, keep the dog in your possession until the next morning - again, if it is safe to do so. We will then attend as above. Please call us as soon as possible on the out of hours telephone number if this is the case so that we can get to you as soon as possible

Any unclaimed dogs will be kept in our care for as long as necessary in licenced kennels. After seven days the law allows us to rehome these dogs in a manner of our choosing. We work with animal charities across the country to ensure abandoned dogs are rehomed safely. Please note, Adur and Worthing Council does not put stray dogs to sleep.

It is sometimes possible for a dog to stay with you temporarily while we try to trace the owner. This is on the understanding that the dog will be returned to their owner if they come forward within 28 days.

Kennel fees

Release fee for dogs picked up and returned to their owner (but not kennelled): £65.00

Kennel Fees:

  • Up to 1 day (or part thereof): £75.00
  • Up to 2 days: £90.00
  • Up to 3 days: £105.00
  • Up to 4 days: £120.00
  • Up to 5 days: £135.00
  • Up to 6 days: £150.00
  • Up to 7 days: £165.00

Notes:

  • There is a charge when releasing a dog to its owner. This is to contribute to the costs of kennelling, transport and handling
  • Charges include a £25 statutory fee
  • Any additional veterinary charges (including their kennelling fees) will be charged separately and will include VAT
  • Prices from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. Prices are subject to an annual increase in April, prices correct as at 1st April 2023.

Microchip your dog

Microchipping your dog gives you the best chance of finding it if it gets lost and is now required by law. All puppies must be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old.

A microchip needs to be fitted by a vet or other trained professional. Our Dog Warden Service can microchip your dog in your own home.

  • The charge is £21.50
    (Prices from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. Prices are subject to an annual increase in April, prices correct as at 1st April 2023).

To find out more please call us.

Usually it is the responsibility of the implanter to ensure the chip is first registered but once your dog has been microchipped you need to make sure the details stored on it are accurate and kept up to date, for instance if you move house or change your telephone number.

By law your dog also has to wear a collar and a tag with your name and address on it when in a public place.

Page last updated: 08 February 2024

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