Stray & lost dogs
Page updated on: 24/09/2026
Our dog wardens are responsible for seizing stray dogs, often in response to calls from members of the public or when on active patrol of the county. Stray dogs will be kennelled and inspected by a vet if required.
Dogs wearing collars and tags in public places, as legally required under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, are returned to owners free of charge for the first time only if found by the dog warden and the owner is immediately contactable. If we fail to contact the dog owner, the dog will be impounded and a release fee will apply.
If your dog has been picked up, it will be kennelled at Tegfan Kennels, Abergorlech Road, Llansawel, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 7LX, 01558 685599 (opening hours - 9am to 5pm, seven days a week).
Contact us or call the kennels directly who will advise whether your dog has been impounded. You will be charged £80.00 for the first day or part day of impoundment and £15.00 per day thereafter.
Found a Stray Dog?
If you take possession of a stray dog and are unable to return the dog to its owner, please contact the Council’s Dog Warden service as soon as you can to let them know. Please provide details on the type of dog and where the dog was found.
We regularly receive telephone calls asking if we have had reports of dogs being found, and unfortunately, we are unable to advise or reunite owners if stray dogs are not reported to us. This can obviously add distress to both a dog and its owner. Reporting a dog quickly can also allow for any assessment or treatment to be administered without delay.
If a finder desires to keep a dog, they shall inform the Council, and the relevant officer will determine whether the dog can remain with the finder or not. The officer has a legal duty to follow a procedure outlined in Regulation 4 of the Environmental Protection (Stray Dogs) Regulations 1992 prior to deciding whether a dog can remain with the finder or not. This is to ensure adequate efforts are made to return the dog to its rightful owner, as well as ensure the finder is able to care for the dog.
Making a payment:
- Pay over the phone: 01267 234567
- Pay in person: Visit one of our cash desks at your local Hwb
When payment is received, you will be issued with a receipt that must be taken to the kennels when collecting your dog. The dog must be collected by 5pm. Dogs that are not claimed after seven clear days are offered for re-homing. We have a non-destruct policy.
There are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure that if your dog is lost, you will be reunited with minimum delay and trauma. Ensure that your dog has a name tag showing your address and telephone number. This is a requirement of law - Control of Dogs Act 1992.
The Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015 now makes it a legal requirement to have your dog micro-chipped.
A chip the size of a grain of rice is placed under the dog’s skin. The chip carries a special information number which is connected to the owner’s details.
Dog wardens, vets, kennels and others have scanners. If the dog gets lost, it can be scanned and the owner can be contacted immediately. Dogs must be 12 weeks or over and fully vaccinated.
If you're concerned about a lost or stray dog you've seen in your area, please let us know as soon as possible.
