Croydon's dedicated dog warden Tara Boswell has spent 17 years rescuing countless strays across London's most populous borough, reuniting them with owners or finding them new homes, all while earning multiple RSPCA awards, including the platinum PawPrints Award for three consecutive years.
Highs and lows of the job
Boswell, who is the council's sole dog warden, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the role is full of highs and lows. One particularly distressing incident earlier this year involved a dog brought into a local vet's practice that had given birth in a plastic bag, with two dead puppies already inside and one left stuck.
“That dog was obviously traumatised, but that puppy survived and they went on into rescue and to live incredible lives. That is just what rescue is all about... If I didn’t have that, the job would be very difficult,” she said.
While such incidents are not daily occurrences, Boswell said finding abandoned dogs in these conditions leaves a lasting mark. “When you see a dog like that you go into a mode of feeling 'this dog needs me'. You channel that shock and emotion into doing something positive. Usually it’s afterwards, when I’m reflecting on it, that it hits me.”
Changing types of strays
Although the volume of stray dogs has remained steady, Boswell said the types of dogs coming into care have shifted. The surge in puppy ownership during lockdown has led to breeds rarely seen as strays in the past, such as French bulldogs, which she now picks up frequently.
Financial hardship across the borough is also a factor. “There is a lot more financial strain with the cost of living,” she added. “People might also have to give up their dog if they’re forced into rented accommodation.”
Boswell spends much of her time dealing with owners, encouraging them to be responsible and resolving disputes. “It’s about encouraging them to be responsible with their dog and making sure that doesn’t happen again,” she said. “That could be getting them to keep their dog on a lead or muzzled. It’s not always black and white, though; it could just be that two dogs haven’t got on. Due to the number of puppies bought in lockdown, some are a bit under-socialised.”
Public awareness and awards
Boswell believes public understanding of stray dogs and pet safety is improving, with social media playing a key role. “Social media really helps; you can reach people now in a way that you probably wouldn’t have before,” she said. “You see communities come together to reunite lost dogs, especially if they have been stolen. Previously, we had to rely on physical posters.”
Her strong network of rescue contacts has been crucial to her success, allowing her to move dogs quickly into rescue and save the council money in kennel fees. This network helped her win the RSPCA's platinum PawPrints Award—the scheme's highest accolade—for the third consecutive year.
Under national law, pet owners have only seven days to reclaim a stray dog before it becomes council property. Boswell noted that many residents are surprised to learn the council employs a dog warden at all, and most contact her only during a crisis.
Advice for dog owners
Boswell advises current and prospective owners to understand the commitment involved. “Try to remember that if you buy or adopt a dog, you are committing to that dog and need to make sure you have the finances to support it,” she said.
She also encouraged adoption, saying, “There is a real myth that rescue dogs are broken or more difficult; that is just not the case. I believe we are a nation of animal lovers, and this is a time we need to pull together because these dogs need rescue spaces.”
On safety, she stressed vigilance in public spaces, particularly given ongoing concerns around dog theft. “When you get a friendly dog park, people are all too happy to let their dog off, chat, and go on their phones,” she warned. “Keep an eye on your dog—it is valuable to you. Train your dog and make sure it has got good recall if you are going to let it off the lead.”
Boswell also urged all owners to microchip their pets, ensuring they can be swiftly identified and reunited if they go missing.
