Dog warden service

The Dog Warden aims to ensure that West Lothian remains free from stray dogs and the hazards that they may present. 

The council collects stray dogs and promotes responsible dog ownership through its dog warden service.

If you are concerned a dog might be stray, simply call the dog warden on the number given on the right.  You?ll be asked to leave your name, address, telephone number and details of the dog and where you spotted it.

Stray dogs can also be taken to the local police station. The police have a statutory duty to accept strays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to see the answer.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog that the council has picked up?

It doesn't cost anything for you to adopt a dog that the council has picked up.

If I rehome a dog from the council, will it be neutered?

Any dog that is put out for rehoming will be fully health-checked, electronically micro-chipped and vaccinated by the Council's Vet before it is re-homed, and can be speyed or neutered free of charge.

If my dog is picked up by the Dog Warden, will I get told?

If your dog has been microchipped or has a name tag, the Dog Warden will contact you to tell you that your dog has been impounded. You will need to pay an administration fee to retrieve your dog.

What does a Dog Warden do?

A dog warden patrols the area for stray dogs during office hours. The dog warden has powers to remove any dog from a public area, which s/he believes to be a stray, and impound it.

What happens to stray dogs once they have been picked up by the dog wardens?

Stray dogs are picked up by the Dog Warden Service and kept in kennels. If not claimed after 7 days, the dogs are then owned by the Council and are available to be re-housed. If no new owner is found, the dogs may have to be put down.

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