Dog Warden Service Customer Contract
About our Dog Warden service
Our dog wardens are part of the public health team. Each year we respond to nearly 2000 requests for assistance in respect of stray dogs and the fouling of footpaths and other public places.
Our Service Guarantees
Dog wardens routinely patrol all the City's streets picking up strays, discouraging owners from allowing their dogs to foul footpaths and other public places and generally promoting responsible dog ownership.
If you report a problem to us concerning dogs we will respond to your report within the following times:-
Stray dogs, dangerous dogs and dogs on school grounds - immediately. Fouling of footpaths and public places - within two working days.
Stray dogs
If it is the first occasion a stray dog has been picked up by the dog warden, providing it is wearing a collar and identity tag as it is legally required to do, it will be returned home and suitable advice given on controlling it in the future.
If, however, it is the second or subsequent occasion a dog has been picked up or if it is not wearing a collar and identity tag, it will be taken to kennels. The owner will have to pay a statutory charge, currently £25, together with kennelling costs and any vets fees incurred before the dog is returned.
We do have limited kennel space and, on occasions, these may be full. In this case if you have restrained a stray dog, we may have to ask you to keep the dog for a short time.
We do not take unwanted pets.
Stray dogs outside office hours
We have an arrangement with Nottinghamshire Police that they will accept strays outside office hours as long as their kennels are not full. Please contact either Central, Radford Road or Oxclose Lane Police Stations.
Fouling
Dog owners must by law pick up any mess made by their dogs. If owners fail to do this and evidence is available that they have not complied with the law, then it is most likely that we will look to prosecute them. An owner can be fined up to £1000 if found guilty in court.
Always carry a "poop scoop" with you to pick up any mess made by your dog.
Education and advice
A dog that is loved, well cared for and properly trained can provide a lot of pleasure and hours of endless companionship. In return owners have the responsibility of ensuring that their pets do not cause problems to other residents in the City. Our dog wardens are always pleased to talk to and discuss with individuals and groups of people any aspect relating to dog ownership.
The 10 Point Code for dog owners
- Keep your dog under control - train your dog in obedience so it can be kept under control at all times
- Keep your dog on a lead - anywhere near a road or where there are other animals
- Vaccinate your dog - against killer diseases and worm it every six months
- Do not allow your dog to foul pavements or public places - if in an emergency your dog fouls, always clean up after your dog
- Never leave your dog alone all day - it's unfair to your dog and to neighbours if it is constantly barking
- Always collar and tag - do not let your dog out on its own unsupervised, even if you live near a park or public place where the dog may like to wander. Always make sure that an identity tag is worn
- Never take your dog into a food shop - always tie its lead to a post
- Obtain advice from a veterinary surgeon if you do not want your dog to have puppies
- Away from home - make arrangements for your dog to be properly looked after when you are away. Addresses of licensed boarding kennels can be obtained from your vet or from the City Council
- Obtain permission to keep your pet. If you live in a City Council owned property check with your local Housing Office.
If we can offer advice or assistance regarding any dog related matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How to contact us:
The dog warden service can be contacted in person or in writing at Lawrence House, Talbot Street, Nottingham NG1 5NT or by e-mail to dog.wardens@nottinghamcity.gov.uk. The office is normally open from 8.30am to 4.50pm Monday to Friday. We close for Bank Holidays and over Christmas.
You can telephone us on 0115 915 6223 before 9am and after 4pm if you wish to talk to the dog wardens directly. If you wish to make a request for assistance you can telephone 0115 915 6123.
If you have any comments, suggestions or complaints about our service at anytime you can write to either of the following managers or telephone them:
Barrie James, Public Health Service Manager on 0115 915 6790 or Martin Cooke, Team Leader, on 0115 915 6792
Our Minicom number is 0115 915 6226
Back to top
Listen to this websiteAccessibility
