A stray dog is any dog unsupervised in a public place, regardless of whether it is wearing a collar and tag. Stray dogs are not only a danger to themselves but can also be a risk or cause nuisance to members of the public.
The stray dog service for Norwich City Council is operated by Animal Warden Services (AWS). AWS will collect and kennel stray dogs to remove them from potential danger and distress.
Report a stray dog
If you wish to report a lost or stray dog, please contact AWS direct on 01603 336027. If your call isn’t answered on the first attempt, please leave a short message, including your contact number, and someone will get back to you.
Stray dogs will be checked for microchipping or other identification and the owner will be contacted, provided up-to-date identification details are registered with the Microchip Registration Database.
Please note: It is a legal requirement for all dogs and puppies to be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks. It is also a legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar and ID tag when out in public, which must detail their owner’s name and address, including postcode. This applies whether or not your dog is on a lead.
Collection of stray dogs
AWS operates its collection service between the hours of 9am and 7pm Monday to Friday. No collections at weekends or on public bank holidays.
Drop-off service
If you find a stray dog outside of the times listed above and wish to drop the dog off at AWS, please call to arrange an appointment.
Claiming a found dog
Members of the public are able to claim their dog, providing they have sufficient proof of ownership, between Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and weekends 10am to 4pm. No collections available on bank holidays.
Whilst in the care of AWS in one of their approved kennels, dogs are well kept and will receive any necessary veterinary care. All costs and fees must be paid by the owner prior to the return of the dog – see details of fees below.
Lost and Found Registers
AWS holds registers of lost and found dogs for the Norwich area which you can view by visiting the Lost Dogs or Found Dogs sections of the AWS website.
If you think one of the found dogs is yours, or you have a sighting of a dog reported as lost, please call on 01603 336027 quoting the Stray dog reference.
Stolen Dogs
If you believe your dog has been stolen, please report this directly to the police.
Fees
| Service | Charge |
|---|---|
| 1. Dogs micro-chipped or with ID tag and contact details which are returned to owner the same day, not taken to kennels | £25 statutory fine (no concessions) |
| 2. Dogs not micro-chipped and no ID tag and contact details, but returned to owner same day, not taken to kennels (i.e. collection staff know the address of the owner) | £75 |
| 3. Not micro-chipped, no ID tag, taken to kennels but returned same day | £125 |
| 4. For stays in kennels, add all vet fees and the nightly rate to item 3 | £17 per night |
| 5. Additional charge for second and subsequent offences within 12 months | £60 |
| 6. Concession for those in receipt of benefits (applicable to item 3) | £20 |
