Dog Enforcement Team (DET) - what we do?

  • Collection of stray dogs
  • Take formal action for dangerous and nuisance dogs
  • Enforce all dog related legislation
  • Enforce dog control order offences
  • Provide high profile service between 7am-10pm
  • Promote responsible dog ownership
  • Provide a micro-chip service to Waltham Forest residents
  • Work in partnership with Police, RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and other organisations
  • Licence and inspect animal related establishments
  • Provide educational talks relating to responsible dog ownership

Pet problems

The Service is always keen to promote responsible pet ownership and will give free advice on a range of pet problems including basic advise on flea and worm treatments, neutering and vaccinations.

Animal welfare

If you suspect that an animal of any kind is being subjected to any form of cruelty the only organisation that can legally deal with this is the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Please call the National Cruelty Helpline on 0870 55 55 999.

Stray dogs

The DET regularly patrol the Borough to deal with stray dogs. It also acts on individual reports of strays. When dogs are caught efforts are made to trace the owners before sending the dogs to a boarding kennel. Owners are required to pay a penalty and cost of keeping the dog before it is returned to them. Stray dogs can be reported to Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000.

» More information on stray dogs

Pet licensing

Pet shops, kennels, catteries, riding establishments, dog-breeders and premises where people keep dangerous wild animals need to be licensed. The DET carries out this duty for the Council.

» Information on animal related licence applications

Residents comment

I just wanted to say thank you for your continued help in fighting the war against dog poop on my road

Contact us

Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk