The Royal Borough of Greenwich collects stray dogs found within the borough. The Stray Dog Collection Service will pick up the dog and aim to return it to the owner.

If we're unable to locate the owner, we'll take the dog to our nominated kennels. We'll hold it for seven days so the owner can reclaim it. After this period, the legal ownership of the dog will transfer to the Council. We'll then do our best for it to be re-homed whenever possible.

If you find a stray dog

If you find a stray dog, first check for an identification tag on the collar. A dog should legally wear an identification tag in public, containing the name and address of the owner. This can help you reunite the dog with its owner.

If you find a dog that has no identifiable owner, please call the Stray Dog Collection Service. You'll hear a recorded message asking you to provide further information about the found dog.

If you have lost a dog

If you have lost your dog, visit the SDK 'found dogs' website, which provides a picture gallery of dogs found in Royal Greenwich.

Visit the SDK website to see dogs found in Royal Greenwich

Microchips

It is a legal requirement to microchip your dog and puppies when they reach eight weeks of age. Not having your dog microchipped could lead to a fine of up to £2,500.

You must register your dog's identity and keeper details on a database, and keep the chip up-to-date. A new keeper must do this on the transfer of a dog's ownership.

Your local vet will offer a microchip service at a low cost and hold its registration details on a database.

We'll try to return your dog provided the microchip details are correct.

Fees for returning a dog

There is a statutory fee for the return of a dog to its owner, as well as chargeable fees.

Stray dog return fees - First occasion

To assist owners with the costs, on the first occasion a dog strays and is returned, we will charge you the statutory fee only. This is fair as dogs may sometimes stray.

• Statutory fee only: £25

Stray dog return fees - Following occasions

If we return the same dog again, we view this as lack of care in preventing the dog to stray. We'll recharge you all our costs in dealing with your dog before we return it.

• Return fees and charges: £96.19
• Kennelling: £17.69 a day
• Any vet bills.

London database

You can also view the Battersea Lost Dogs and Cats website. They have a database of lost dogs from across London, and you can check if its details match any dogs found and handed in.