Lost, stray or unwanted dogs
Lost dogs:
If your dog is lost or missing:
- speak to people in your local area and ask if your dog has been seen: a photograph of the dog is helpful
- unsupervised dogs in public places may be taken by us: if there's a tag with owner details or the dog is microchipped we'll try to contact you. If the dog can't be taken straight home it will be taken to Manchester Dogs' Home.
- regularly check with the Manchester Dogs' Home to see if your dog has been taken there. All dogs brought in as strays are looked after for 7 full days, after which the dog becomes the property of the Dogs' Home and is put up for adoption
- check http://www.doglost.co.uk/ The National Database for Lost and Found Dogs
- check https://www.petlog.org.uk/ Lost and Found database for microchipped pets.
View the information you need when you go and collect your dog.
Stray dogs:
Any dog that's out on its own is classed as a stray and any dog that's unsupervised in a public place may be taken by us. If a stray dog is vicious or appears dangerous, see the specific advice (link) for what to do.
We will collect a dog during office hours; Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. If you find a stray dog during these hours use our 'Report a stray dog' form (LINK)
If you find a dog outside of office hours, keep the dog until the next working day and either arrange for the dog warden to come and collect, or take the dog to Manchester Dogs Home between 9am to 5pm.
There are also two out-of-hours drop-off points:
- Monday to Thursday, from 6pm to 11pm call 0161 794 8888. Arrangements will be made for you to drop the dog off at Turnpike House, 631 Eccles New Road, Salford, M50 1SW. Please don't turn up without calling first.
- Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, from 9am to 5pm: dogs can be taken to our nominated kennels at: Manchester Dogs’ Home, Moss Brook Road, Harpurhey, M9 5PG
There is no out-of-hours collection available.
A secured stray dog cannot be collected unless there is someone to meet the Animal Welfare Officer / Dog Warden. You must be over 18 years old to hand the dog over to them.
Unwanted dogs
If you're no longer able to keep your dog and it is in good health, you can take it to Manchester Dogs Home. They assess unwanted dogs and try to find them a new home, but you should contact them first to check availability - there may be a waiting period. There may be other local rehoming charities too.