What we do

When properties are repossessed or possession orders enforced, animals often remain on site — creating safety, welfare, and legal challenges.

Animal Control Officers Ltd handles these cases nationwide. We attend alongside bailiffs, enforcement teams, housing associations, and landlords to manage dogs, cats, and other animals safely, humanely, and with full documentation. Our role is to enable access, protect individuals and animals, and maintain compliance throughout the process.

We support property teams across the UK — private landlords, housing associations, local authorities, and enforcement agents. Our goal: smooth, secure, welfare-first repossessions your stakeholders can trust.

Typical scenarios we handle

  • Dogs or cats found inside a property during an eviction attempt
  • Multiple animals or unknown temperament causing risk or delay
  • Owner absence or refusal to cooperate, increasing chance of escape or injury
  • Abandoned pets left behind after tenant leaves, requiring assessment and relocation
  • Complex multi-unit properties needing coordinated animal handling before trades enter

On-site approach

  • Initial briefing & assessment with enforcement / bailiff team
  • Risk and welfare check, including animal condition, escape risk, aggression signs
  • Containment & restraint using appropriate, methods
  • Safe staging for contractors, ensuring trades can work without animal interference
  • Release or rehoming handover after securing property — we coordinate transport or kennelling
  • Final inspection & exit protocol, confirming no animals remain and site is secure

Abandoned pet management & placement

If animals are found abandoned or unclaimed, we arrange secure removal, transport, and placement with veterinarians, shelters or licensed kennels. All handling is logged with chain-of-custody, and we issue welfare reports to support legal compliance and transparency.

Documentation

  • Attendance log (time, address, handler name)
  • Welfare notes (condition, action, outcome)
  • Photographic evidence where relevant (with discretion)
  • Chain-of-custody records for any transport or handover
  • Job summary report (formatted for audit or legal review)

Safety equipment & handler standards

  • Professional handling: body-positioning, calm voice, non-confrontational approach.
  • Appropriate equipment: (lead, toys, treats, secure crate as required).
  • SIA/DBS: checked experienced personnel.
  • Full PPE carried by all ACO’s.
  • Hands on as a last resort; we aim to complete your job safely. (This reflects best-practice guidance on animal handling during warrant execution.)

What we don’t do

We are not a stray pickup or dog warden service for general complaints. Our work is focused on repossession / enforcement operations and the conditions tied to them. For stray animal removal, please contact your local authority.