Lost Dogs

For general enquiries, please see the related web pages, which provide a wide range of animal welfare information.

Who else can I contact if my dog is missing?

You should contact the police (opens new window) who also bear responsibility for taking in unaccompanied dogs if a member of the public hands them into police stations. It is also worth notifying the police in case they receive information as to your dog's whereabouts.

You should also contact your neighbouring local authority, as your pet may have wandered or been taken into an adjacent area. Local veterinary surgeries, animal rescue centres,  neighbours and friends are also important in helping to trace your missing dog. It is important to search the local area including all your usual walks - straying dogs often return to places they know or follow their usual routes.

If you are a user of social media then it is advise to put appeals up on these sites and any local community pages as these are extremely useful and very successful at helping to get information of siting's and/or people who have picked the dogs up.

If your pet is micro-chipped or tattooed you should contact the relevant micro-chip service provider or reunification service.  Doing so will make them aware that your pet is missing and give you an opportunity to check they have your correct contact details.  

Unfortunately there are occasions where stray animals become involved in road traffic accidents and as a result may be picked up by either the Scottish SPCA if the animal is injured or by West Lothian Council if the incident is fatal. After a number of days if your pet is still missing then it may be a good idea to contact both the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 or NETS, Land & Countryside Services.

If the authorities have picked up my dog, what will happen to it?

Any dog out with its owners property which is not in the charge of a keeper is considered to be a stray under the Environmental Protection Act (1990). You should contact the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home as any dogs picked up within West Lothian will be boarded there.If your dog is returned to you by either an Animal Welfare Officer or the Dog and Cat home, you will be liable to pay a fine of £25 in accordance with the legislation enforced by West Lothian Council. You must also pay any kennel fees incurred before you can re-claim your pet. If your dog is taken to the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home you must take suitable identification and proof of ownership of the dog before they will hand your dog back to you.

Other lost pets

Unfortunately we are unable to deal with other lost pets. If the animal is chipped, ensure the microchip company is informed immediately and that your contact details are up to date. It is also advisable to contact local veterinary surgeries and neighbours in case someone has taken your pet in.