A stray dog is a dog without its owner or another authorised person, that's in a public place or a place it's not allowed to be.
Before you report a lost or stray dog, you may want to check if it has an owner. If the dog is friendly, and if you're happy to approach it, you can check if it's wearing a collar. Collars usually have the owner's phone number written on the tag.
If you have the owner's contact details, you can tell them you've found their dog. If the owner says they're coming to get their dog, there's no need to report the dog to us.
Report a stray dog
You can report a lost or stray dog directly to Acorn Kennels, who collect stray dogs on our behalf.
Acorn Kennels will collect stray dogs 8am–4pm, Monday–Friday, not including bank holidays.
Please make sure the dog is kept somewhere secure before contacting Acorn Kennels.
Report a lost or stray dog to Acorn Kennels online
Report a lost or stray dog by phoning Acorn Kennels on 01948 662 931
Report a stray dog on evenings, weekends or bank holidays
If you find a lost or stray dog outside of working hours you can:
- Keep the dog safe and secure until the next working day.
- Take the dog to Manchester Dogs Home. Check opening times and get directions to Manchester Dogs Home on Google Maps
- Get in touch with your local vets or animal shelter. You can ask them to check the dog for a microchip which will let you know who owns them.
- Share information about the dog on social media or local lost and found pet groups.
- Check local animal shelters and rescue organisations, they may have received reports of lost dogs in the area.
Report a dangerous dog
A dangerous dog is a dog that is out of control, and likely to cause injury or attack a person or another dog.
If a dog is acting dangerously:
- Call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or
- Dial 999 in an emergency.
Report banned breeds of dogs
In the UK, it’s against the law to own certain types of dogs. If you know of an unregistered dog that is a banned breed, call Greater Manchester Police on 101.