Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs in the UK must wear an ID tag in public that displays their owner’s details. If they don’t? You could face a £2,000 fine, and your dog could be seized and treated as a stray. On top of that, the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 makes it a legal requirement for all dogs over eight weeks old to be microchipped, with failure to comply landing you an extra £500 fine.
We know—talking about UK dog laws isn’t exactly thrilling. But you know what is exciting? Our stylish, custom dog tags that keep your pup both safe and legal. Let’s break down what you need to know, so you can tick off the legal stuff and focus on picking out a tag that’s as fabulous as your dog.
The UK Law on Dog ID Tags: What’s Required?
It’s simple—if your dog is in a public place, UK law requires them to wear an ID tag. But what exactly needs to be on it? What happens if they don’t have one? And does a microchip mean you can skip the tag?
In this section, we’ll cover:
- The legal requirements for dog ID tags and what must be included
- Why a microchip isn’t enough (and why you still need an ID tag)
- The consequences of not following the law (spoiler: hefty fines and the risk of losing your dog)
By the end, you’ll know exactly what your dog’s tag needs to say to keep them safe—and keep you on the right side of the law.
1. Your Dog Must Wear an ID Tag in Public
According to the Control of Dogs Order 1992 (read the full law here), every dog in a public place must wear a collar with an ID tag that includes:
- Your surname
- Your house number or house name
- Your postcode
That’s it. That’s all the law requires. But here’s the problem—if your dog gets lost, a postcode alone won’t get them home quickly.
If your dog is found without an ID tag, local authorities have the right to seize them under the Dogs Act 1906 or Environmental Protection Act 1990. You might not even be notified, and if they aren’t claimed within seven days, they could be rehomed or worse.
2. Microchipping is Also a Legal Must
The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 (full law here) states that:
- All dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped.
- Your contact details must be kept up to date in an official database.
- If you fail to chip your dog (or forget to update your details), you could face a £500 fine.
A microchip is great for long-term security, but it’s not a substitute for an ID tag. A microchip requires a vet or rescue centre to scan it, whereas an ID tag makes it instantly obvious how to contact you.
3. What Happens if Your Dog is Found Without an ID Tag?
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (read it here) gives councils the power to seize dogs found without an ID tag in public places.
- If your dog has an ID tag, the council must try to contact you.
- If your dog has no ID tag, they could be rehomed or euthanised after seven days.
- A £2,000 fine can be issued for failing to comply with ID tag laws.
An ID tag is the fastest way to ensure that your dog gets back to you safely before they are taken in as a stray.
What Should You Put on Your Dog’s ID Tag?
While the law only requires your surname, house number, and postcode, this isn’t enough to make sure your dog gets home quickly. Adding extra details can help reunite you with your dog as fast as possible.
What We Recommend Including
- Your phone number – The quickest way for someone to contact you.
- A second phone number – A backup in case you don’t answer.
- The word “CHIPPED” – To deter thieves and let people know your dog is microchipped.
What to Avoid
- Your dog’s name – We know it’s tempting, but with dog theft on the rise, giving a stranger your dog’s name makes it easier for them to be stolen.
Medical ID Tags: A Must for Dogs With Health Conditions
For dogs with medical needs, an extra medical ID tag could be the difference between life and death.
- “On Medication” – Helps responders act fast if your dog needs treatment.
- “Diabetic / Epileptic / Allergic to X” – Critical health information.
- Your vet’s phone number – In case urgent medical help is needed.
Where Should You Attach Your Dog’s ID Tag?
- Collars – The standard option, always visible and easy for someone to spot if your dog is lost.
- Harness D-rings – A great alternative for dogs who mainly wear a harness, ensuring their ID tag is securely attached.
- Both – For extra security, attach an ID tag to both your dog’s collar and harness.
For example, my epileptic dog Lucy wears two medical ID tags—one on her collar and one on her harness. If her collar ever comes off, her harness still has her details, and vice versa. This way, whoever finds her will know she needs urgent care no matter what. This extra precaution is especially important for dogs with medical conditions, nervous dogs, or escape artists who may slip out of a collar or harness.
The Luna Collection ID Tags: Stylish, Safe, and Fully Legal
Just because an ID tag is a legal requirement doesn’t mean it has to be boring. At The Luna Collection, we believe safety and style go hand in hand—so we’ve created tags that are not just practical, but also beautiful.
Custom Watercolour and Cartoon Breed Illustrations
We have over 100 hand-painted watercolour dog breed illustrations in a variety of coat colours and patterns, so you’re sure to find one that looks just like your pup. Prefer something a little more playful? We also offer cartoon-style designs with a variety of background patterns and colour options to choose from.
Match Your Dog’s ID Tag to Their Gear
If your dog already rocks one of our harnesses, collars, or leads, why not go for a matching ID tag? We can print designs from our Lunar One, Wild One, and other collections onto the background of your dog’s tag for a coordinated, ultra-stylish look.
Lightweight, Durable, and Built to Last
Our ID tags are made from high-quality aluminium alloy, meaning they are lightweight yet strong—perfect for everyday adventures. Plus, they’re scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and available in five different shapes and sizes.
Easy to Attach, Whatever Your Style
Each tag comes with both a 360-degree rotating lobster clasp and a split ring, so whether you prefer to attach it to a collar or harness D-ring, we’ve got you covered.
How to Order Your Dog’s ID Tag
- Front: You can add a short message (like “I’m chipped!”), but we don’t recommend including your dog’s name.
- Back: Your surname, house number, postcode (the legal must-haves), plus a phone number for quick contact.
Each tag is custom-made, so triple-check your details before placing your order.
