Microchipping your dog

It is a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped. You must make sure your dog is fitted with a microchip by the time it’s eight weeks old. If you haven’t had your dog microchipped, you may be fined or prosecuted.

Microchipping services

Our animal wardens can microchip your dog for free. To book a visit from a warden, please email [email protected]. 

A licensed vet or charitable organisation like Mayhew Animal Home or the Dog's Trust can also microchip your dog for a small fee.

We recommend that you microchip other companion animals such as cats and rabbits in case they escape or become lost. Please ask your vet for further details about how you can micro-chip your pet.

Buying puppies

When you buy a puppy, you should ask for proof a microchip has been fitted, as breeders need to ensure this before they are sold. 

You can ask to see any of the following as proof: 

• microchip certificate
• vet records
• pet passport 

You must make sure the microchip details are updated once you have bought the dog. You are responsible for keeping your dog’s microchip information up to date.  

Looking after your dog in hot weather

Missing a walk won't kill a dog, but a badly timed walk could. Statistics show that more dogs die each year of heat stroke on a walk than they do from being shut in hot cars.

Dog owners are advised to check forecasts and where possible only walk their dogs in the early morning and late evening to safeguard against heat stroke.

Dogs who are happy, excitable and playing may not show obvious signs of heatstroke until it is too late. We therefore advise against using ball throwers or any fetch games also while temperatures are so high and suggest some scent games or other slower paced enrichment activities at home to mentally tire dogs instead. 

Signs of heat stroke, prevention and what to do if your dog is struggling or collapses can be found on the RSPCA’s website.

Never leave your dog alone in a car even if the windows are open, you are parked in the shade or if it is “just for 5 minutes”.

The stray dog service is fully operational all year round, however the quickest way to reunite a dog with its owner during very hot weather may be to take it to a vet, who can scan for a microchip.

Always call in advance and ask the vet if they mind doing this for you and only do this is you are able to transport the dog safely and keep them cool.

Our stray dog service operates 24/7. Lost and found dogs should be reported to 03444828320. If you see a dog locked inside a car in the heat always dial 999.