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Dog collars, tags and microchips

Collar and tag on your dog

By law every dog must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner, either on the collar or an attached plate/badge whilst in a public place. This applies even if the dog is on a lead and has a microchip.

The purpose of this law is to ensure the owner of a stray dog can be quickly identified and contacted. This allows members of the public who find stray dogs return them to the owners without the need to involve our Environmental Health team.

If your dog is picked up by us, you will have to pay a the collection and kennel costs.

Your dog’s tag must include:

  • The name of the owner
  • The full address of the owner. Abbreviated versions of your address e.g. a house number and postcode is not enough information for someone to return your lost dog to you.

We strongly recommend you also include:

  • your preferred telephone number. This allows the finder to quickly and easily contact you and return your dog.

Microchipping your dog

It is compulsory for all dog owners to have their dog microchipped and to keep the details up to date. All dogs must be microchipped by the time they are 8 weeks old.  If your dog is not microchipped, you can be liable for a fine of up to £500.

Contact us - Environmental Protection

01235 422403
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)

Vale of White Horse District Council
Environmental Protection Team
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE