Dogs can get lost for all sorts of reasons, often through no fault of their owners. Even the most obedient dogs can stray and cause great distress to their owners.

If you find a dog you should do the following:

• Check to see if the dog is wearing a collar and tag and look for details of ownership. If not contact the local council authority, vet or local rehoming centre.
• You can also contact the National Strays Bureau or Petsearch. It is not recommended that you keep the dog at home as this could be interpreted as theft. You need to inform the relevant people that you are holding the dog. You may also become to attached the dog – which will make it harder on you when the rightful owner is found.

If you find a dog and would like to adopt it yourself you need to follow the following procedures:

• Report the fact you have found the dog to the relevant authorities.
• When you do this give them your details and let them know you are interested.
• You will then go through the usual adoption procedure (if the owner of the dog has not been found).

If the organisation feels you are the right person for the dog you can adopt it. Remember to keep in touch with the kennels or dog warden as this will show that you are serious about rehoming the dog.

Return to Puppy Watch home