Heading out on a countryside walk? Make sure to check your pup's collar before you leave home to avoid paying a fine.
Collar and Tag: All dogs must wear a collar with the owner’s contact information on it when in a public place. The owner's details can be inscribed on the collar itself or on a tag attached to the collar. Exemptions apply for some working dogs.
Even if your dog is microchipped, they still need to wear an ID collar or tag
It is up to you whether you put your telephone number on the collar or tag as well, but including it will allow you to be contacted at any time should your dog go missing. Dogs owners could face hefty fines of between £500 and £2,000 for not having all the correct information on their pup's collar.
Microchipping: Puppies must be microchipped before they go to their new homes, with the breeder being the first registered keeper. They are breaking the law if they do not register the puppy by the time they are eight weeks old.
Breeders should also pass on correct microchip paperwork to the new owner when the puppy goes home. The law applies to dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks. Exemptions are available only if a vet believes there is a valid health reason not to microchip a dog.
The animal welfare charity ‘Blue Cross’ also reminds owners to keep their pets' details up to date, especially if they move house. For anyone rehoming a dog, ensure you collect the correct microchip registration paperwork so the pup can be correctly registered.
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