Do you know what to do if your dog gets lost?

This week a client lost their dog. He got spooked in the wind and took off. It can happen to any of us. I have experienced one of mine launching himself on a long line when I was off guard and he disappeared for over an hour on Dartmoor. I have known peoples dogs to be out in the garden when a firework has been let off (out of season) and they have spooked and runoff. We all try our best to keep our dogs safe but sometimes things happen. A lot of good advice was posted by the organisations who help put out alerts for lost dogs so I thought I would it share with you.

Firstly it is Law that your dog is microchipped and wear a tag.

Identification*

Dogs need to have two forms of identification when in a public place – microchipping and a collar with a tag.

Microchipping

All dogs must be microchipped, and the owner’s details must be registered on one of the authorised databases. 

Puppies must be microchipped before they go to their new homes, with the breeder being the first registered keeper. They are breaking the law if they do not register the puppy by the time they are eight weeks old. Breeders should also pass on correct microchip paperwork to the new owner when the puppy goes home. You then need to get the information updated to you as the owner.

The law applies to dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks. Exemptions are available if a vet believes there is a valid health reason not to microchip a dog. The vet must issue the owner with a certificate of exemption in this instance.

Owners are required to keep their pets’ details up to date, for example if they move house. If you rehome your dog to someone else, you must give the new owner the correct microchip registration paperwork so that they can contact the database and register as the dog’s new owner.

What can happen if I break this law?

Owners and breeders who do not get their dog microchipped and registered with an approved database face a fine of up to £500 and could face criminal prosecution. This is also the case if your contact details change and you don’t update your details.

Law: Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015

Collar and tag

All pet dogs must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on it when in a public place. The owner’s details can be inscribed on the collar itself or on a tag attached to the collar. 

Even if your dog is microchipped, they still need to wear a collar or tag. Exemptions apply for some working dogs.

It’s up to you whether or not you put your telephone number on the collar or tag as well, but we recommend you add your mobile number so you can be contacted at any time in case your dog goes missing.

What can happen if I break this law?

Owners can be fined up to £2,000.

Law: Control of Dogs Order 1992

*the following information was copied from Dogs laws Blue Cross https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/dog-laws-uk

Advise given if your dog goes missing.

If your dog goes missing on a walk try not to go too far from where he was last seen as dogs often return to the same place.

If possible also leave some food where he was last seen and an item of your clothing if you can.

If you drove to where he was lost, if safe to do so, you could leave your vehicle engine running and a door open as dogs can recognise the sound of your vehicle.

At home leave a gate open so he can get back in and used bedding/unwashed laundry or an item of your clothing out. Also thoroughly check your house and garden, under hedges, in sheds, garages, outbuildings in case s/he has got stuck or shut in.

Dogs frequently stay very quiet if they are stuck or shut in, so it’s really important to check everywhere thoroughly. Also try to check any CCTV/Ring Doorbell footage for sightings.

Contact the dog warden and local vets, and kennels. Notify your chip company that he is missing. Please make sure chip is registered with the chip company to you and all details up to date.

Please make sure you put the area he went missing and have a contact number at the top of your post. Please register on www.doglost.co.uk, it’s a free service. Once registered local volunteers will be alerted and you’ll be able to print posters to put to up. Postering is very important as not everyone uses social media. Please also be aware of scam callers. Also, contact https://www.facebook.com/groups/DroneSARForLostDogsUK/

Everyone pulls together at times like these. So get the word out there as soon as you can. Call on local friends and family to help you search or sit in your car while you are searching in case they come back.