Why You Should Get Your Dog Microchipped And Use ID Tags Today

Is your dog microchipped? Do they wear identification? Do you know what you would do if you lost them? Don’t run the risk of losing your dog.

What Is A Microchip?

A microchip is a tiny device that is the size of a grain of rice.

A trained professional will implant it into your dog (usually on the back of their neck) and the process is over in minutes.

Local vets can microchip your dog and some charities may do it for free.

Each microchip has a specific 15 digit number.

You must make sure that your specific 15 digit number is registered on a microchip database such as Petlog.

When you register your microchip, you add your contact details so your dog can be traced back to you should he get lost or stolen.

It’s important to keep your dog’s microchip information up to date. For example, if you move house, you must update the microchip information.

Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped in England.

All dogs must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks.

If your dog is not microchipped, you can be fined up to £500.

What Needs To Be On An ID Tag?

In addition to a microchip, your dog is required by law in the UK to wear a form of identification on their collar (Control of Dogs Order 1992).

This law states that when your dog is in a public place, they must wear a collar with contact details, or an ID tag attached to their collar.

The collar or ID tag must include the following:

Owner’s Name
Owner’s Address (including postcode)
(Optional – phone number. Handy for reuniting a lost dog)

You can be fined up to £5000 if your dog does not have the correct identification.

Why Do I Need To Get My Dog Microchipped And Use ID Tags?

Other than being required by law, both microchips and ID tags help to reunite pets and owners if they get separated.

Many of us treat our dogs like family and would be devastated if they got lost. These two things help to improve the odds of you finding your furry friend again.

Vets, dog wardens and animal shelters can usually scan dogs for microchips which then gives them the owner’s contact details and they’ll contact you to collect your dog.

Anybody can read an ID tag to find out where a dog lives and be able to return the dog to its owner.

Without a microchip or an ID tag, there can be no way of knowing who owns the dog. This means your dog may be rehomed to another family.

What Should You Do If You Lose Your Dog?

Fingers crossed your dog never goes missing. But what should you do if it happens?

If you’re out on a walk in a location you go to regularly and your dog runs off, they may make their way back once they’ve finished chasing whatever it was that was so distracting.

If they don’t come back after a short period of time or you’re in a new place, then use the following points to help you get your dog back quickly.

1) Ring your local dog warden.

The dog warden may have found your dog.
You can find your local dog warden’s contact details using this gov.uk link

2) Ring local vets and rescue centres

Somebody may have handed your dog in

3) Report your dog missing on the microchip database

Tell the microchip company that your dog is missing.
This can help you be reunited with your dog quicker if it is found. It also helps to prevent the microchip details from being transferred to a new owner so easily.
Not sure which company the microchip is registered with? Enter the microchip number on Petlog to find out

4) Report your dog missing on DogLost

Enter your pet’s details on the DogLost website as someone may find your dog and you can then be reunited.

5) Put up leaflets

Put up leaflets around your local neighbourhood to get people’s attention.
Use a simple, clear photo of your dog with your contact details.
Some microchip companies & DogLost will provide you with lost dog leaflets for you to customise.

6) Walk around the area you lost them

Your dog may still be in the same area. Take a walk around the area, calling for them as they may come back.
While you do this, make sure somebody stays at home in case your dog finds its own way back.

7) Walk around your home area and usual walking routes

If your dog escaped from home or on a routine walk, they may know their way home or be in a nearby favourite place (My own dog escaped once and walked herself to my best friend’s house! Luckily it’s only just round the corner and I retrieved her very quickly)

8) Ask local dog owners to keep an eye out

Lastly, other local dog owners will be out walking their own dogs. Therefore, there is an opportunity for them to keep their eyes open for any signs of your missing dog.
Most dog owners will be happy to help you as they would hate to be in a similar situation themselves.