Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I do if I find a dog?
• What should I do if I lose my dog?
• Should I microchip my dog? Is it possible to register it?
• Why does my dog still need a collar and tag if he's microchipped?
• How often should I worm my dog?
• What do I do about fleas?
• Who should I contact if a dog bites me?
• Where should I clean up after my dog?
• How can I stop my dog barking too much?
• When should I start training my puppy?
• How do I stop my dog from chewing?
• What should I do if I want to take my dog abroad?
• Dangerous Dogs (Certain Breeds)

What should I do if I find a dog?

As from April 2008 Police Stations will no longer accept stray dogs.

If you find a stray dog during office hours Monday to Friday you should contact Chester Dog Warden, who may be able to collect the dog from you.  The dog warden is usually on duty between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.  Contact 01244-402304.

Outside office hours, please contact the City Council "out of hours" call centre for advice on 01244 402477.

An injured stray dog found outside office hours may be reported to the RSPCA on 0870 55 55 999.

Dangerous dogs and dogs that are worrying livestock should be reported to your local Police.

Lost, stolen or found dogs should be reported to both the Police and the Dog Warden Service.

By law, a dog must wear a tag bearing its owner's name and address whenever it is in a public place.

If you wish to keep the dog, you must sign to say you will keep the dog for one month, during which time the original owner may claim it back. If the dog is handed over to the dog warden, the local authority can dispose of the dog (rehoming etc.) after seven clear days. Usually these dogs remain in local authority kennels until claimed or rehomed.

However, due to the changes from April 2008, some dogs may have to go to rescue organizations after 7 days has elapsed if the council kennels reach full capacity.

What should I do if I lose my dog?

Report it to the dog warden (see above) and police at the earliest opportunity giving a full description.  It is helpful to inform them if the dog is found. If you are near a district border, also inform the dog warden for that district.  Notices in shops and ads in the local press are also advisable if a dog is missing for more than a few days.  Stray dogs may be returned directly to the owner at the discretion of the Dog Warden.  This will apply during normal working hours, Monday to Friday, providing the dog has sufficient details on it's collar or it has been reported missing to the Dog Warden.  All reasonable steps will be taken to contact the owner should they not be at home when calling.  If contact is not made, the dog will be impounded.  Owners who claim their dogs will have to pay a fee of £45, plus £3 per day for kennelling. 

Should I microchip my dog?

Microchipping is a permanent way of identifying any animal and is useful should your dog escape from your home without his collar and tag on. Contact your vet for further advice. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that your dog must still wear a collar and tag bearing your name and address when in a public place. Most vets and dog wardens carry scanners to check for microchips.  Though Chester City Council do not have a registration scheme, dogs (and indeed any pet) may be registered with Petlog  (External Link)).

Why does my dog still need a collar and tag if he's microchipped?

This is currently a requirement of law and you can be fined quite heavily for allowing your dog to be in a public place without a tag bearing your name and address. It is also worth noting that a straying dog with such information on its collar is normally returned directly to the owner saving the expense of claiming the dog back from local authority kennels.

How often should I worm my dog?

Generally every 6 months when adult, more often when it is a puppy. If possible, always obtain your worming treatment from a vet.

What should I do about Fleas?

Obtain a suitable spray or other treatment from your vet. Some of these treatments also help with conditions such as mange. You should check your dog for fleas at least once a week, as flea allergies are quite distressful to your dog and often involve a loss of fur.

Who should I contact if a dog bites me?

Dog bites are a matter for the police and may be dealt with under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. However, if a stray dog bites you and you don't know where it's from, inform the dog warden with a description of the dog etc. It is important to obtain medical help if the bite is serious, especially if your anti tetanus inoculation is out of date (these days the booster is normally required every 10 years). Deep wounds may require a course of antibiotics.

Where should I clean up after my dog?

Everywhere, as many local authorities, like Chester, have designated all land open to the air in their districts under the Dogs (Fouling Of Land) Act 1996. This means a person not cleaning up immediately after their dog has fouled in a public place would risk a possible fine of £1'000. Fixed penalty notices are also available for use by council officers and these require the offender to pay £50 within 14 days to avoid going to court.

How can I stop my dog barking so much?

Basic training is the first thing to do, advice can be obtained from publications or dog training clubs and dog behaviourists. For serious cases there are such things as ultra sonic devices and spray collars  (External Link) to assist the training process. In any case, a dog should never be encouraged to bark, as it can become a neighbourhood nuisance.

When should I start training my puppy?

As soon as possible. Once the dog has been fully inoculated, it is useful to attend puppy classes to get your pup used to other dogs and to help you get your dog, at least, basically trained.

How can I stop my dog chewing?

This often happens when a dog is bored when left alone or is seeking attention. Probably, the best advice is to contact your local dog trainer/behaviourist. There are products on the market that can be sprayed on to furniture to discourage chewing which may work in certain circumstances. It must be borne in mind that a puppy will tend to chew things while it's teething, so it is essential to give it things that are o.k. to chew, preferably not old slippers as this makes it acceptable ( to the puppy) to chew any shoes it finds.

What should I do if I want to take my dog abroad?

The Pet Travel Scheme is now in its trial stages. More information can be obtained from  pets@ahvg.maff.gsi.gov.uk: or call the Pets Helpline: 0870 241 1710 from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Dangerous Dogs

Dangerous dogs (certain breeds) need to be registered - this is a service carried out by Cheshire Police. Please click on the following link to the Cheshire Police  (External Link) website. The section concerning dangerous dogs is approximately half way down the page and entitled 'Dogs - In what situations do Cheshire Police get Involved?'. Please note however that this page is currently being updated, therefore for the most up to date and accurate information, please call the number provided on the page.