While there is only a legal requirement to include the name and address of the dog`s owner on an ID tag, dog charities strongly recommend that you include other important information on an ID tag. The examples are as follows: Yes, you must put a tag on your dog as this is required by law in the UK. The legislation that requires this is called the Dog Control Ordinance 1992. UK law states that all dog owners must ensure that their dog has an ID tag or that their contact details are written or printed on a dog collar. You are required by law to put your name and address on your dog`s brand. A house number and postcode are all that is needed to provide a full UK address, so it is perfectly acceptable to only provide these details and your name. This can be useful for small tags where there may not be room for your full address. Some dog owners also add the dog`s name to the dog tag, while others feel it`s best not to do so in case your dog is stolen or could be called by you, but the choice is entirely yours. As long as you make sure you have the legally required information on your dog`s identification tag, you`re on the right side of the law. If you`re not sure about putting your dog`s name on the label, we recommend omitting your dog`s name unless you can think of a good reason why your dog`s name on the label would be helpful. It`s also a legal obligation to keep your details up to date and extremely helpful for getting you and your dog together. Just because it`s a legal requirement for your dog to carry ID doesn`t mean your dog`s brand can`t be fun and stylish as long as it includes all the necessary legal information. And you`ll feel safer knowing that your dog can be identified if he`s gone.
What is required by law on an identity tag? It is really a two-pronged issue. We`ll cover what needs to be on an ID tag from the perspective of UK legal requirements and what should also be on a mark so you can pick up your dog faster should the worst happen. So yes, technically, your contact information needs to be attached or attached to a dog collar. However, they should be stopped by a real Jobworth if the tag was appropriate to say, for example, the dog`s harness, and they didn`t think it was acceptable. But legally, it should be on the dog`s collar. Anything you think is useful if there is room. Don`t go to OTT with information because you want it to be readable without a magnifying glass, but if your dog has certain special needs or requirements, it may be a very good idea to add that information, such as: I`m deaf, I`m taking medication, etc. There are only two pieces of information that you are legally required to put on an identity plate or necklace in the UK. First, the name of the dog owner and second, the address of the dog owner.
However, many dog charities recommend providing a phone number and confirmation that the dog is microchipped on the label. These are sensible recommendations, as it`s important to be easily reachable if your dog gets lost. This covers all legal aspects. By law, all you need is the owner`s name, address, and zip code on the dog tag. However, we strongly recommend that you add at least one contact phone number. What for? Well, the law says only your address is needed, but this one is so outdated. If your dog is lost, will someone write you a letter? No. The legal requirements for name and address are now very outdated. We all communicate by phone and it is much faster which is exactly what is needed. So make sure you have your phone number engraved on the label, even if it`s not required by law. By law, dog tag requirements in the UK state that your dog`s collar must contain: There are many laws in the UK designed to protect the health and welfare of our pets.
These include rules designed to ensure dogs wear a collar. While many of our dogs wear their collars all the time, many pet owners are not necessarily aware of the legal requirements for dog tags. Under the Dog Control Order 1992, dogs in the UK are required by law to wear an attached collar or plate containing important details about you (the owner) and your dog. Since April 2016, it is a legal obligation in England, Scotland and Wales that dogs are microchipped. All puppies should be microchipped up to 8 weeks of age. In UK law, there are various legal obligations that you must fulfill as a dog owner. One of these tasks is making sure your dog is wearing an ID tag. But what exactly should you stick on a dog tag? There are two UK-specific legal requirements. First, an ID tag must include the name of the dog`s owner; Second, the tag must include the address of the dog`s owner. It is recommended to include the phone number of the dog owner on the label and indicate that the dog is microchipped. In the UK, it has been a legal requirement since April 2016 to microchip a dog.
And it`s easy to put that confirmation on the dog tag. Simply add the phrase “I am chipped” or simply “chipped” to the dog tag. Below, we will outline the requirements that owners need to follow more closely. We`ve also included our suggestions for information you should (and shouldn`t) include on your dog tags. Once home, you can remove your dog`s collar if you wish. Just make sure your home and garden are safe and that your dog doesn`t have access to public spaces. Before you go out again, put on your dog`s collar again and again. When the phone number on the tag or collar is no longer used, the microchipped aspect becomes a crucial way to locate the dog owner. If your dog has a health condition that someone needs to be aware of, you can also add it to your dog`s identification label, such as “I`m deaf” or “I have epilepsy.” If your dog is in a public place, he must carry identification with the address and name of the owner. However, if they are at home in the house, they don`t have to wear one inside. This identifier can take the form of a personalized collar or an identification tag.
So many questions. Let`s answer these questions. A phone number can be very useful on an ID tag – and remember that the tag has two sides that can usually be engraved. You just go to the park to let your puppy play. Do you really need to put on your collar, or is it okay to go out with your dog`s harness? Simply provide a phone number where you can be contacted. This would be important if your dog is injured or if your dog is separated from you when you are in public. Someone who finds your dog needs a quick way to contact you. Of course, if your dog is injured, dog rescuers will need an easy way to contact you. Yes.
Part of the Dog Control Ordinance 1992 specifically addresses the fact that when pet dogs are in a public space, they must wear a collar with their owner`s information. These details can be written on the collar itself or on a shield or badge on your dog`s collar. Often, owners opt for an identification tag that can be purchased at pet stores or online. Does your dog`s collar and identification tag contain the information he should? Or is it time for an update? We`d love to hear what you think about including your dog`s name on their label, so check out our Facebook page and join the conversation. Working dogs (such as guide dogs and rescue dogs), hunting dogs or sport dogs are also not exempt from the chip tree. If your dog got lost and was later found by someone, they would know that the dog is microchipped. This information could be used to locate and contact you about your dog. Although, of course, it would be quicker and easier to just call you, as long as your phone number is on the ID tag. Under the Dog Control Ordinance 1992, all dogs in public must wear a collar and an identification plate indicating the name and address of their owner. These dog identification tags UK law applies regardless of whether your dog is on a leash or not. Breach of this order is a criminal offence and carries a fine of up to £2000. Unlike identification tags, where only local authorities can enforce the law, the April 2016 microchip law can be enforced by “local authorities, police officers, community support workers and any other person the Minister may authorize to act as enforcement of the regulations.” (NOTE: The law does not require a phone number, but this is highly recommended to facilitate contact) Not only will this keep you on the right side of the law (and avoid a fine), but your dog will be much safer to explore! There are some dogs to which this law does not apply (mainly working dogs such as police dogs, farm dogs, and guide dogs), but if your dog is a personal pet, it will need a dog identification tag to comply with the law.
The short answers are yes and yes if you don`t want to risk being prosecuted and punished. But what are the other costs of non-compliance? Since the law is enforced by local authorities, you should get more information from your local council. Many owners also choose to add their phone number. This is a good idea because it is much easier for you to be contacted if necessary. And what about your dog`s name? This issue is being debated. Many owners like to add their dog`s name to their identification tag, but others worry that it will make it easier for dog thieves to steal your dog. Be sure to regularly check your dog`s collar and brand for any signs of wear. Sometimes a tag may fall off or a collar may fray. It`s a good idea to keep a replacement label or collar at home.