If you own a dog, you must put your contact details on your dog's collar. It's against the law to have your dog in public without a collar and tag, even if your dog is microchipped. The fine can be up to £5,000.
Microchipping
All dogs must be microchipped. Puppies over 8 weeks old must also be chipped.
Microchipping gives your dog a permanent ID. A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is put under the dog's skin with an injection, usually in the scruff of the neck.
Your contact details are recorded with the microchip number on a national database.
Most vets, animal rescue centers, and groomers offer microchipping services. The cost can vary. If your dog is already chipped, make sure your contact details are up to date in the register.
Dog breeders
If your female dog has puppies, you must have them microchipped and registered by 8 weeks old. The new owner must update the contact information on the database when they get the puppy.
A dog must be microchipped before it goes to a new owner.