The Dog Wardens catch dogs that appear to be straying and help reunite them with their owners. We also provide a microchipping service and deal with dangerous dogs - see dogs and the law for more information.
What do I do if if I lose my dog?
If you lose your dog please immediately report this to us on 01325 388799 or streetscene@darlington.gov.uk
We can then confirm if the dog has already been picked up or the dog warden will look out for the dog during his daily patrol.
If you lose your dog out of the Dog Wardens working hours (after 5pm weekdays and weekends) please phone the holding kennels at Vicarage Road on 01325 352052 to check if your dog has been brought in by a member of the public.
You can also call Deerness Kennels [external link] which is our designated kennel on 0191 3780439 or visit the Stray Dogs webpage [external link]
It would also be a good idea to phone around the local vets [external link] in case your dog has become involved in an accident.
If your dog is wearing an ID tag and is micro chipped this will help us identify your dog sooner.
I have found a stray dog, who do I tell?
If you find a stray dog, you are required by law to return it to the owner or to contact our dog wardens on 01325 388799 or streetscene@darlington.gov.uk who will arrange to collect it.
If you find a stray dog outside of normal office hours (after 5pm weekdays and weekends) you should take it to the Council depot at Vicarage Road, where there is a 24 hour kennelling facility. Alternatively you can keep the dog until the next working day and contact the dog warden. If the dog is injured it should be taken to the nearest vets as soon as possible.
If you wish to keep the dog, you must have written permission from us, and you will have to keep it for at least 28 days at your own expense.
How do I microchip my dog?
One of the best ways to ensure that you and your dog are reunited is to microchip the dog. Please note that by law your dog also needs to wear a collar and identity tag.
A tiny microchip (the size of a grain of rice) is painlessly inserted in the skin at the back of the dog’s neck. This has a unique code number which is entered onto a national PetLog computer database together with the owner’s name and address. If the dog is found, a scanner is passed over the microchip and the owner can be identified.
We can offer microchipping for just £10.00. To arrange to have your dog microchipped, please contact us on 01325 388799 or e-mail your details to streetscene@darlington.gov.uk
Remember to notify PetLog if you move address on 0870 6066751.