Collar and Tags

All dogs in a public place must wear a collar and tag with the name, address and telephone number on it. Tattoos do not satisfy this requirement. An owner can be fined up to £5000 for failure to properly tag a dog. The only exception is for working dogs while they are working.

Microchipping

In addition to a tag you may wish to consider microchipping. Micro-chips are the latest high tech method of providing instant identification of pets of many different types.

All dogs are required to have name tags by law but these are not an infallible means of identification as they can become detached. The new micro-chips, the size of a grain of rice, are inserted just below the skin of dogs’ necks by needle, similar to the way a vaccination is given, and read using a special scanner carried by the Council’s dog wardens.

Micro-chipping is the high tech way of identifying pets and the chip cannot be removed.  It is also a foolproof way of establishing ownership if a dog is stolen. By law, all dogs must have name tags, but if this has become detached we can still read the micro-chip and return the animal to its owner. Lost dogs with no means of identification are taken to kennels and owners have to pay the costs before reclaiming their pets. Paying for a micro-chip is cheaper than paying for kennelling and administration costs if your dog goes missing.

Micro-chipping is supported by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  “Micro-chipping is a permanent form of identification and allows the RSPCA to reunite countless lost animals with their distressed owners,” said Janet Kipling, spokesperson for the south west region.  “These pets might otherwise not return home and be rehomed instead.”

This service is openly available at most veterinary practices and animal charities. If you do require further information about where to go to get your dog mircochipped please call the council on 01803 861234.