Are dog tags are required in UK Law?

If you just got a dog then you might be thinking. Does my dog need to wear a dog tag?

The answer is that in the UK, according to the Control of Dogs Order 1992, any dog that is in a public place must wear a colour with its name and address, including the post of the owner written, engraved or visible in a clear way. A telephone number is optional, but it's recommended you get one because if your dog gets lots, you'll want an easy way for people to find you. 

Believe it or not, you can be fined up to £5,000 if your dog does not wear an identification tag.

Do I need to put my dog's name on the dog tag?

No, the dog's name is optional, it's only really important to have the owner's name so that they can be contacted if needed.

It's not recommended to have the dog's name on the tag because it may be easier to steal the dog and sell it if the dog responds to their name. 

We recommend just putting your family name on the dog tag. 

An example of the information to put on a dog tag is:

Jane Smtih
No 54, BH17 7TD
01234 567890

Where can I get unique engraved dog tags?

Here at Waggle! We have a range of unique dog tag designs that you can't buy anywhere else (apart from our Etsy store). We design them and make them in our studio in Rochester, Kent. 

We engrave your details on the back of our designs. 

If my dog has been microchipped do I still need a dog tag?

It's easy to think that just because your dog is microchipped it doesn't need a dog tag, but this is wrong, your dog still needs to wear a dog tag. 

If your dog gets lost then how is a regular member of the public able to contact you? They won't have a microchip scanner. 

As of the 6th of April 2016, all dogs are required to be microchipped by law and it needs to show info about the current owner. 

So if you have just got a new dog, you must make sure that you update all the information. Read more information about this on the Dogs Trust Website here.

Is there any reason why a dog doesn't require a tag?

Under some circumstances a dog might not have to wear a dog tag, these include:

• Any dog registered with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
• Any dog while being used in emergency rescue work.
• Any dog while being used on official duties by a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, HM Customs and Excise or the police.
• Any dog while being used for driving or tending cattle or sheep.
• Any dog while being used for the capture or destruction of vermin.
• Any dog while being used for sporting purposes.
• Any pack of hounds.

For further information, please see Article 2 of the Control of Dogs Order 1992.

What type of dog tag should I get?

Your dog tag should clearly show all of your details, it also needs to be durable under all weather conditions. Many people choose metal as it is traditional and durable. 

There is a variety of styles and designs that you can go for, it's important that your dog is comfortable and will happily always have it on when it's in public. 

Please have a look at our own unique dog tag designs here.