Dog collar tags and microchipping

It is a legal requirement that every dog shall wear a collar and ID tag while in a public place. It is a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped.

It is a legal requirement under The Control of Dogs Order 1992 that every dog while on a highway or in a 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.

In the unfortunate event that a dog becomes lost this will make it easier for the finder to reunite the dog with its owner.

Dog microchipping - legal requirement since 6th April 2016

It is now a legal requirement in England that all dogs by the time they are 8 weeks of age are microchipped and registered with their keepers contact details. All keepers, including breeders, must also ensure that a dog's microchip contact details are kept up to date. Wales and Scotland have also introduced similar laws.

Key points that dog owners and breeders must be aware of:

• The only exemption from the requirement to microchip a dog is where a vet has certified in writing that the dog is unfit to be microchipped.
• Anyone breeding dogs will be responsible for microchipping their puppies before they sell or give them to new keepers.
• Breeders will be required to register their own details and these will be recorded against the microchip for the life of the dog.
• If a dog is brought into England temporarily, for example when visiting family or friends and staying more than 30 days, it will need to be microchipped and registered on a database.
• If a dog without a microchip comes to the attention of the authorities, the dog's keeper may be served with a notice requiring the dog to be microchipped within 21 days, and may face criminal prosecution and a £500 fine if they do not comply.

For further information see our leaflet on  Dog microchipping legislation [399.41KB]

Council dog microchipping service

Basildon Council offers a dog micro-chipping service for fee of just £20 per animal. To arrange an appointment to have your dog microchipped, please contact the Animal Control team during weekday office hours.

A dog microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, which has a unique number that can be read by a scanner. When scanned the microchip identifies the dog and the owner, very useful should the collar and tag have been removed for any reason. The microchip can also help to identify stolen animals.

Remember to keep your dog's microchip details in a place where you will find them for example; with your dog's vaccination records or your own important documents.

Free dog microchipping

From time to time organisations such as the Dogs Trust and Basildon Council offer to carry out dog microchipping free of charge at specific events.

For details of forthcoming local dog microchipping events see Dog care events.

For Dogs Trust events, see. Dog Trust Events on facebook(Facebook login required).

Private dog microchipping services

Many veterinary practices, kennels and dog groomers also carry out dog microchipping. They do charge a fee and costs will vary.