Can’t Keep My Animal
Owning pets can be extremely rewarding, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Some owners find themselves in a position where they feel they need to give up a pet.
Get in touch with us
Lost
We know that losing your pet is a stressful experience for both the lost animal and its family.
We recommend taking the following steps;
- Phone your pets microchip database and report them missing
- Search your local neighbourhood and put up eye-catching posters
- For lost dogs, contact the local Isle of Wight authority lost dog services IOW stray dog service
- Notify your local vets and any local rehoming Animal Centres such as ourselves, Cats Protection, Feline Welfare and Friends of the Animals
- Get social – publish on the Lost Pets IOW Facebook Page – Lost Pets IOW Admin | Facebook.
- Publish an Ad on Wightbay Lost & Found in Isle Of Wight | Wightbay
- Register on any missing pet websites such as Animal Search UK – https://www.animalsearchuk.co.uk/
- Don’t give up!
Found
The Isle of Wight Council operates an Island stray dog service IOW stray dog service.
If you have found a healthy looking dog/cat here are the steps you can take to help increase the animals chance of being reunited with their family.
If you secure a stray dog, you can report it to the Environment Officer’s Team through the local authority contact centre on 01983 821000 during office hours, or 01983 821105 outside office hours. Please note that they do not provide a 24 hour collection service for lost dogs.
What to do if you find a pet;
- Ring the local vets and rescue centres to report
- If it’s safe, check whether the dog/cat is wearing a tag, if it is then call the number on the tag and leave a message
- Ask the local vets to scan for a microchip
- Report on Lost Pets IOW Facebook Page
- Check any listings on any missing pets websites
If you decide to take the dog/cat home while you wait for the warden to arrive, remember the pet may be scared and distressed. If you’re unsure about the dog/cat’s behaviour, please do not approach and instead wait for the Warden to arrive.
By law, you can’t keep a stray pet. If you want to rehome the pet, leave your details with the warden.
It is important to keep your pet safe and to do everything you can to aid in your pets safe return if they go missing. It is a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped. All owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024. Please make sure the contact information associated with the chip is kept up to date. If you are out and about, make sure your dog wears a collar and tag with your contact information on.
Useful Numbers
- Isle of Wight Dog Warden – 01983 821000 (during office hours), 0193 821105 (outside office hours)
- Cats Protection – 01983 562609
- Feline Welfare – 01983 521778
- Friends of the Animals – 01983 522511
Donate
With your donation we are able to direct your gift to the most critical animal in need on any given day, be it veterinary care, medical treatment, enrichment programs for an animal that requires rehabilitation.