Lost dogs

Losing a much-loved pet is 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 its way home or will be returned, but if it does not we recommend that you take immediate action.

Identifying your dog

The law requires 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 it will be returned either by a member of the public or a dog warden. If your dog is micro-chipped this will assist the dog warden to quickly identify its owner.

Help prevent your dog from straying

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 countered by having your dog neutered.

What to do if you lose your dog

There are a number of things you can do to find a lost dog.

Contact our dog wardens

Dogs found to be straying will often be picked up by our dog wardens and taken to a holding kennels. You should phone the kennels listed below to see if they have your dog. You should call regularly until you are reunited with your dog. More about dog wardens.

Contact kennels and re-homing centres

We usually kennel dogs that we collect at Stokenchurch Dog Rescue (see the web link below) and Maccabee Pets Hotel. Even if the dog warden has no knowledge of your pet, call the kennel anyway - someone may have taken the dog directly there. You can contact Stokenchurch Dog Rescue on 01494 482 695 and Maccabee Pets Hotel in Longwick on 01844 342 016, or other kennels in your area. These can be found in the telephone directory.

Look out for notices posted in your local area

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 need to contact the dog wardens to have it registered. It is worth checking the local vets, shops, libraries, local press and other public noticeboards to see if anyone is searching for the owner of a dog.

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.

Check your local areas

Visit places where you usually walk your dog - it may have just decided to walk itself! 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.

Check building sites

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.