Do Dogs Need to Wear an Identity Tag, Even If They Are Micro-Chipped?
This is a common query among dog owners. As micro-chipping dogs is now law, many owners believe an I.D. tag is not necessary. Holidays4Dogs finds out whether dogs must have microchips AND dog tags.
Does my dog need an identity tag AND a microchip?
Yes. Although it is now a legal requirement for dogs to be micro-chipped, dogs must also wear an identity tag.
Many people believe that they are abiding by the law if their dog is micro-chipped. However, dogs must still wear traditional identification – like a dog tag. Therefore, microchips have not replaced the legal requirement for dogs to wear identification.
When you book at stay with Holidays4Dogs, you MUST provide your dog’s microchip number and details of the provider. The information must be up to date i.e. correct name of owner, correct address. This is imperative when you choose to home board your dog with a home-from-home dog carer.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has been a long time campaigner for compulsory microchipping. This is because of several benefits associated with animal welfare and responsible ownership.
In their policy statement, the BVA point out that microchipping will assist local authorities in tracking lost dogs to their owners, tackle puppy farming, as well as reporting health problems in pedigree dogs.
What does UK legislation state about dog identification?
The Control of Dogs Order is quite clear that, “every dog while in a highway or 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”.
There are exemptions. However, these would not apply to most pet dogs. They are;
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 the official duties by a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces or Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise, or the police force in any area.
f) any dog while being used in emergency rescue work.
g) any dog registered with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Does my dog have to wear a collar? Can’t I put the I.D. tag on a harness?
In order to abide strictly by the law then, yes, dogs must technically wear a collar with an I.D. tag as well as having a microchip. A dog’s collar must have an identity tag attached to it. Even if the dog is wearing a 
harness, they must also wear a collar with identification.
There have been media reports of dog owners receiving fines because their dog was not wearing a collar.
Others may argue that it would be unfair to prosecute someone who has fitted the dog’s I.D. to a harness. However, the law clearly states that the dog must be wearing a collar, specifically.
In addition to a microchip, when staying with Holidays4Dogs, all dogs must wear some other form of identification attached to their collar. We have our own unique identity tags which we attach to the collars of our guest dogs and are in addition to the dog’s own personal identification tag.
What information must I legally include on a dog tag?
In addition to being microchipped, the law requires that a dog identity tag must include the name and address of the owner. However, this need not be in full. It could, for instance, include the house number, followed by the postcode and name of the owner. Owners do not need to provide a telephone number. However, adding a contact number may reunite dog and owner more quickly.
Do I need to include my dog’s name on the tag?
There is no need to include the dog’s name on the identity tag. Indeed, many owners leave this information off the dog’s identity tag. This is in case someone attempts to steal the dog. By knowing the dog’s name, strangers can potentially call the dog to them.
What happens if I don’t put a collar and I.D tag on my dog?
Owners will be committing an offence under the Animal Health Act of 1981, if their dog is not wearing a collar with an I.D. tag attached, in addition to a microchip. As such, offenders could face fines of up to £5,000. All dogs must now be microchipped under U.K. law.
