♥ Lost-dog action guide
The immediate contacts and practical steps to take if your dog goes missing in Torquay, Paignton or Brixham.
Write down the exact place, time and direction of travel while the details are fresh. Keep your phone charged and audible, gather a clear recent photograph and note your dog's breed, colour, sex, collar, harness, medical needs and microchip number.
Give searchers one consistent contact number. Do not publish the full microchip number or unnecessary personal information on public posts.Blue Cross lost-dog checklist↗Report the dog to Torbay Council's Community Protection team on 01803 208025 and check with Foredown Kennels on 01803 872260. The council's current guidance says dogs collected in Torbay may be taken to Foredown Kennels in Kingskerswell and that release charges can apply.
If the dog could have crossed the Torbay boundary, contact the neighbouring council's dog warden too.Torbay stray-dog guidance↗Contact the database holding your dog's microchip record, mark the dog as missing and check that your phone number and address are current. GOV.UK lists compliant databases and provides a way to identify the correct provider when you have the chip number.
A veterinary practice record is separate from the national microchip database; updating one does not automatically update the other.Find the microchip database↗Register the dog on DogLost, then contact nearby veterinary practices, rescues, kennels and dog walkers. Share one clear poster showing a recent photograph, last-seen location and time, distinguishing features and a safe contact method. Update every post as soon as the dog is found.
Be alert to callers demanding money before providing evidence. Blue Cross specifically warns that lost-pet scams can involve fake fees or vet bills.Register with DogLost↗Report suspected theft to Devon and Cornwall Police online or by calling 101. Be ready with the microchip number, description, last-seen details and information about suspicious people or vehicles. Ask for the incident or crime reference number.
Use 999 only where a crime is happening now or there is an immediate danger to life or serious injury.Police dog-theft guidance↗Useful next steps
Use current official information for rules and opening details, then return to the directory to compare places across the Bay.
Good to know
Contact Torbay Council's Community Protection team on 01803 208025 and Foredown Kennels on 01803 872260, then notify the microchip database immediately. If the dog vanished near a council boundary, contact the neighbouring authority too.
An ordinary lost or stray dog should be reported to the council. If you have reason to believe the dog was stolen, report it to Devon and Cornwall Police online or on 101. Call 999 only for an immediate emergency or a crime in progress.
Use a clear recent photograph, the last-seen place and time, direction of travel, distinguishing features and one safe contact method. Do not publish the full microchip number, your home security details or other unnecessary personal information.
Ask for credible evidence that they have your dog and do not transfer money solely on the strength of a call or message. Keep screenshots and contact the police if you suspect fraud, threats or theft.
If it is safe, check the collar tag and contact the owner. Otherwise report the dog to Torbay Council. Do not put yourself at risk or chase a frightened dog into traffic; call 999 if there is an immediate danger to life.
Checked guide