Any dog that's out on its own in a public place is classed as a stray dog and it may be taken by us.
What if I find a lost dog?
A lost dog is called a stray if it doesn't have an identification tag giving the owner's name and address.
If you find a lost dog and it is safe to do so, check the dog's identity tag and, if possible, make arrangements to return it to the owner.
Stay with the dog and secure it, only if it's safe to do so.
Contact us
If the dog doesn't have any identification or you do not feel safe securing the dog, call us on 01303 853660 during working hours (weekdays 8.30am to 4.00pm) or 01303 221888 out of hours (including weekends and bank holidays).
What information should I provide?
Tell us as much as you can about the dog:
- breed
- colour
- name
- sex
- distinguishing marks
- where and when you found it
Stray Dogs Policy 22/23 (PDF, 120KB)
What we'll do
During working hours
- The Environmental Enforcement Officer will collect the dog from you
Outside working hours
- We'll ask you to bring the dog to the Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone CT20 2QY
Finding the owner
We'll try to find the owner by:
- scanning the dog to see if it has an identifying microchip
- asking local people
If we can't find the owner, we'll place the dog in kennels.
When dogs aren't claimed
If the owner doesn't come forward within 7 days:
- the kennel owners will try to find the dog a new home
- if the dog is too sick, old or aggressive to re-home, it may be put to sleep