Responsible dog ownership

Stray dogs and dog theft

If you have found and are holding a stray dog during the hours of 8:45am-4pm Monday to Thursday or 8:45am-3pm on Friday we will arrange for it to be picked up.

Contact environmental health and provide the following information:

  • when you caught the dog
  • where it was found
  • a description of the dog including breed, size and colour
  • any details on its collar or tag
  • owner's name and address, if known
  • the address where currently being held

Anyone who finds a stray dog outwith these hours, on public holidays or at weekends should contact the nearest police station.

To check if your dog has been found

If we are currently holding your dog, contact our environmental health team for details on how to claim your dog.

  • Monday - Thursday: 8:45am-4pm
  • Friday: 8:45am-3pm

Check our Flickr page for details of stray dogs currently being held. If we have not picked up your dog, contact your local police station.

What happens to stray dogs

Stray dogs will be taken to our holding kennels and kept for 7 days. During this time the owner can contact us to reclaim their dog which will be returned to the home address once a claiming fee of £126 is paid.

Stray dogs not reclaimed within the 7 day period will be transferred to a rehoming centre for full assessment and suitable home checks to be carried out before rehoming is undertaken.

Dog theft

Incidences of dog theft have been increasing over the past few years, with the home and garden being the top locations for pet theft. See Dogs Trust website for tips on keeping your pet safe.

Dog Control Officer

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA