Strays

Why do dogs stray?

It is essential for you to provide your dog with an appropriate level of physical and mental stimulation to avoid problems like straying. Dogs that become bored are more likely to escape from the house or garden in search of an adventure.

Your dog may also stray due to biological urges - the search for a mate! This can be a real problem. Straying can not only lead to an unwanted litter of puppies but also be the cause of accidents or result in him getting into fights and becoming a general nuisance. The way around this is to have your pet neutered. He or she will not miss the 'urge' and this 'wanderlust' will soon either disappear or decrease.

What should I do if I lose my dog?

Losing a much loved pet is very distressing and every dog owner should recognise that even the most obedient and well guarded dog can wander off occasionally. Hopefully your dog will find his way home or will be returned but if he does not we recommend that you take immediate action to help your straying pet.

REMEMBER- it is a legal requirement that all dogs must wear a collar with the owner's name and address inscribed on it, or on a disc attached to it, to enable the owner to be traced. If the dog is wearing a disc it is likely that he will be returned either by a member of the public or a dog warden. If your dog is microchipped this will assist the dog warden to quickly identify its owner.

Who should I contact?

1. North Dorset Dog Warden - Dogs found to be straying will often be picked up by our dog warden and taken to a holding kennels.  If the Council has already collected the dog it may have already been placed in the holding kennels which will incur kenneling charges.  Ensure you contact us soon as the dog is missing. Contact the (01258) 454111 during office hours. The details will be recorded on the Lost Dogs Register.  Dogs left unclaimed become the responsibility of the Council after seven (7) days.  The Council maintains a policy of re-homing unclaimed dogs, wherever possible.

2. Your local police station - If your dog has been handed in to the police, they will tell you where he has been taken for kennelling. Dogs can be taken to the police at any time, day or night - so leave your name, telephone number and a detailed description of your dog. He may be brought in later and you should be easily contactable. However, there is no harm in calling back at regular intervals to check and remember to call all the stations in your area as dogs can travel a considerable distance.

3. Other - Occasionally a member of the public will look after a stray pet in their home. We do not advise this but if it happens, they should have contacted the police, dog wardens or other interested parties. It is worth checking the local veterinary surgeries, supermarket noticeboards, shops, libraries, local press and other public noticeboards and Vale FM to see if anyone is searching for the owner of a dog that fits your pet's description. Ask if you can put up notices in these places. Always keep an up-to-date photograph of your dog - a picture says far more than a written description.

4. Local Areas - Visit places where you usually walk your dog - he may have just decided to walk himself! Look around your local area and if you have moved recently, ask around at your last address. It is surprising how far dogs have been known to travel.

5. Buildings - Are there any building sites or workmen in your area? If so, ask around - it is amazing where an inquisitive dog can manage to get trapped!

6. Useful web links - www.doglost.co.uk

We are only too well aware of the distress that can be caused when a pet goes missing. We hope that the advice given is useful in getting your dog returned safety.