The moment you realise your dog is missing is the time to get out there and start searching. Don't sit back and wait thinking they will return, this can waste valuable time and gives them the chance to get further away. Walk around your local area calling your dog's name, they might not have gone far.
]]>One of the first things you should do when you get a dog is microchip them and ensure they are wearing a dog collar and dog ID tag with your contact details on.
The moment you realise your dog is missing is the time to get out there and start searching. Don't sit back and wait thinking they will return, this can waste valuable time and gives them the chance to get further away. Walk around your local area calling your dog's name, they might not have gone far. Visit places they might be attracted to, such as the local park they regularly walk on, or fast food places if they are food orientated.
If you have recently moved, go back to your old address. It may be that your dog has found their way "home". If there are nearby building works ask workmen to keep an eye out. It is possible your dog has sought shelter, or become trapped.
It is important to get the word out as quickly as possible that your dog is lost. Call the database that holds their microchip details to let them know. Contact the dog warden, local vets in your local and surrounding areas. Dogs can travel quite far when they want to! Boarding kennels and other pet related businesses are other good ports of call too.
Ask your vets, supermarkets, newsagents, libraries if you can put a lost dog poster in their window. Lost dog posters can be attached to lamp posts.
Social media is an extremely effective way of getting the word out there. It is fast moving and far reaching. Post to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so that your friends and followers can help in your search.
Check your dog's insurance policy. Many policies include covering your costs should your pet go missing or is stolen. This can help cover the cost of advertising your lost dog and any reward offered.
Prevention
Some dogs can get lost despite our best efforts, however there are some things you can do to minimise the risk of this happening. Always ensure they are wearing a dog collar and identity tag. Don't let your dog off the lead unless they have a reliable recall. Don't leave your dog alone in the garden unless it is completely safe, from them escaping and others entering.
Never take your dog shopping with you or to any other place they may not be allowed entry, such as restaurants. Dogs should never be tied to a lamp post or left unattended in a car.
What should I do if I find a lost dog?
First of all, check to see if he is wearing any identity and inform the owner. If that isn't possible then you have a legal requirement to contact the local authority dog warden who will arrange for the dog to be collected while they search for it's owner.
]]>The Control Of Dogs Order 1992 states that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name, address and postcode engraved or written on it, or engraved on a dog ID tag attached to the dog’s collar.
]]>Two questions we are regularly asked are:
The Control Of Dogs Order 1992 states that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name, address and postcode engraved or written on it, or engraved on a dog ID tag attached to the dog’s collar.
You can be fined up to £5,000 if your dog is found not to be wearing any ID, so it is important to ensure your dog wears a dog ID tag with the correct identification on it to keep on the right side of the law.
The basic requirements are:
Owner’s name
Address
Postcode
Stating your address using just a house number and postcode is acceptable.
Here are some examples of dog identification possibilities that are perfectly legal in the UK and should help to give any finder all the information they need to get your dog home quickly should they ever go missing:
1. The basics
SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
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SMITH
123 W1 00F
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2. Basics plus phone number
SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
0123 456 789
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SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
Home: 0123 456 789
Mobile: 07900 000 000
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3. Basics plus dog's personal information
SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
0123 456 789
Microchipped
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SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
0123 456 789
Chipped & Neutered
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4. Basics plus dog's behavioural issues
SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
0123 456 789
NERVOUS
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SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
0123 456 789
NOT DOG FRIENDLY
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5. Basics plus dog's medical needs
SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
0123 456 789
I AM DEAF
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SMITH
123 Woof Close
W1 00F
0123 456 789
DIABETIC - NEED MEDS
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As you can see, the options are endless!
Unlike traditional engraved pet tags, Wag-A-Tude Tags are not as limited to the amount of characters we can use and are able to offer our customers a huge 100 characters of space to add all their dog's personal information to get them home safely.
Just because they're a legal requirement, it doesn't mean they have to be boring. Give your pet a voice and show off their personality with our huge range of funny dog ID tags.
We also have a large range of medical pet tags to give you that extra piece of mind should your unwell dog ever go missing.
Whatever your needs, we're confident we have a dog ID tag for you.
Remember: Microchipping is NOT an alternative to your dog wearing a dog ID tag, the two should go hand hand in by law and work together to get your dog home faster.
]]>In a word, yes. Since 2016 all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales are legally required to be microchipped and their details held on an authorised database. This has been the law in Northern Ireland since 2012.
]]>In a word, yes. Since 2016 all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales are legally required to be microchipped and their details held on an authorised database. This has been the law in Northern Ireland since 2012.
Should your dog ever go missing, microchipping greatly increases the chances of them being found. While a collar and dog id tag with your contact details on should always be your first port of call, if your dog gets into trouble this can fall off, break or be removed. A microchip is embedded under the skin and can be scanned by the police, local authority or vets to identify and contact the owner.
Should your dog come to the attention of the authorities, you may be served with a notice to get the dog microchipped. If you fail to do so, you can face criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £500.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, roughly the same size as a grain of rice that is implanted under your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. When the chip is scanned it reads a 15 digit number that is unique to your dog. This unique number is registered on a national database with your dog's information and your contact details.
Does microchipping a dog hurt them?
No. Microchipping is very similar to any other injection like vaccinations and is over within a matter of seconds.
How long does a microchip last?
Microchips are extremely tough and hard wearing and should last your dog's lifetime.
Where can I get my dog microchipped?
Microchips should only be implanted by those qualified to do so. Most local vets offer this service, as do the PDSA and some Pets At Home stores.
How much does microchipping cost?
The cost of microchipping varies and there may be a local charity or event running in your local area that offers free or reduced cost microchipping. Check out chipmydog.org to find out if there are any events near you.
Are my dog's contact details safe on the database? Who can contact me?
You will supply your contact details to the database company when the microchip is implanted. Most often these include your name, address, phone number and your dog's details such as name, breed, colour. These are held securely and only passed on to registered services such as vets, dog wardens, police or re-homing centres in the event that your dog is handed in.
Do I need to update my details?
Yes. It is required by law that the details held on the database are kept up to date. This means that should you move home or change your phone number you will have to contact the database company to let them know. Also, should you re-home your dog you will have to let the database company know and share your dog's microchip information with the dog's new owner so they can keep the microchip up to date with their details.
What should I do if my microchipped dog goes missing?
If your dog should go missing contact the microchip company straight away to let them know. This means should your dog be handed in and scanned it will be flagged that you are actively looking for them. It is also a good idea to contact all vet practises in the local area and the dog warden. Social media is another great platform to get the word out locally.
Who are the different microchip database companies and how do I contact them?
You will be given paperwork detailing which database your dog is registered with when the chip is implanted. Keep this safe.
The main registered database companies in the UK are: