Dog Identification Legal Requirements

In this blog, find out what the legal requirements are for identification of your dog in the UK.

In the United Kingdom, there are legal requirements for dog identification to ensure responsible dog ownership and assist with traceability. The key legal requirements for dog identification on a collar in the UK are as follows:

1. Microchipping: Since April 6, 2016, it has been a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks in the UK to be microchipped. Microchipping involves the insertion of a small electronic chip under the skin of the dog, usually between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to the owner’s contact information on a central database. It is essential to keep the contact details up to date in the database. Microchipping makes it easier to identify and reunite lost or stolen dogs with their owners.
2. Collar and ID Tag: In addition to microchipping, dogs in the UK are required to wear a collar with an identification tag whenever they are in a public place. The tag must have the owner’s name and address engraved or written on it. Including a phone number is also recommended. There is no legal requirement for the dog’s name to be included on the tag, but it is a common practice. The purpose of the ID tag is to provide immediate identification in case the dog becomes lost or strays from its owner.
3. Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): Certain breeds or types of dogs in the UK fall under Breed-Specific Legislation, which imposes additional identification requirements. These breeds include Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros, or any dog that resembles these breeds. Owners of these breeds must comply with specific regulations, including muzzling in public, keeping the dog on a leash, and obtaining additional insurance.

It’s important for dog owners in the UK to comply with these legal requirements to ensure the safety, welfare, and traceability of their dogs. Failure to comply with these laws may result in fines or other legal consequences. Responsible dog ownership includes proper identification, which greatly increases the chances of lost dogs being returned to their rightful owners and helps authorities tackle issues such as dog theft and strays.

There is no excuse for not having the proper identification on your dog these days. With easy access to Amazon & eBay for most of the population, most dog tags are affordable and easy to buy.

Different types of identification for dog collars are as follows:

• Embroidery
• A metal engraved tag
• A flexitag (stainless steel & silicone)
• Slide on (slides onto the actual collar)

Places to buy dog tags/I.D.

• Cobblers
• Key shops
• Pet Shop
• Larger pet stores
• eBay
• Amazon
• Handmade stores online
• Etsy
• Some supermarkets

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 (1st April 1992)

Credit: Legislaton.gov.uk

Wearing of collars by dogs

2.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, every dog while in a highway or in a place of public resort shall wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a plate or badge attached to it.

(2) Paragraph (1) above shall not apply to—

(a)any pack of hounds,

(b)any dog while being used for sporting purposes,

(c)any dog while being used for the capture or destruction of vermin,

(d)any dog while being used for the driving or tending of cattle or sheep,

(e)any dog while being used on official duties by a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces or Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise or the police force for any area,

(f)any dog while being used in emergency rescue work, or

(g)any dog registered with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The offence of not having proper identification on your dog

Offences

3.  The owner of a dog or the person in charge of a dog who, without lawful authority or excuse, proof of which shall lie on him, causes or permits the dog to be in a highway or in a place of public resort not wearing a collar as prescribed in article 2(1) above shall be guilty of an offence against the Animal Health Act 1981.

Seizure of a dog committing an offence against this order

Seizure of dogs

4.  Any dog in respect of which an offence is being committed against this Order may be seized and treated as a stray dog under section 3 of the Dogs Act 1906(1) or under section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Enforcement of this Order

Enforcement

5.—(1) This Order shall be executed and enforced by the officers of a local authority (and not by the police force for any area).

(2) In this article “local authority” and “officer” have the same meaning as in section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.