HomeMicrochipping
If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to make sure it wears a collar and an identity tag.
You can also have your dog fitted with a microchip, a tiny device which helps to identify animals if they go missing or are stolen.
About microchipping
A microchip is a tiny metal device which is injected under a dog's skin between its shoulder blades.Every chip has its own unique ID number.
This number matches information about your dog held on a nationwide database, along with your contact details. You provide this information when the chip is fitted.
If your dog is found by our dog wardens or the police, they will check to see if it has been fitted with a chip.
If it has, they will check the device's ID number against the database to find you and return your dog safely.
Availability
Most vets offer a microchipping service.Animal welfare groups, such as the Dogs Trust, can also fit dogs with chips.
Prices
Microchipping costs between £20 and £30.Groups such as the Dogs Trust sometimes offer free or reduced prices - visit www.dogstrust.org.uk for more information.
Microchipping is free if you are aged 60 or above or if you receive means-tested benefits.
