21 day deadline as dog owners could be fined £500

21 day deadline as dog owners could be fined £500 There are some exemptions to the law, however Dog owners are being warned about a crucial deadline, as those who fail to comply could face a £500 penalty. It all stems from legislation introduced in 2016. Since that point, it has been a legal requirement for all dogs over eight weeks of age to be microchipped in England, Wales and Scotland. If you breed dogs - even unintentionally - the responsibility falls on you to ensure all puppies are microchipped before they reach eight weeks old, and to register yourself as their first owner. Should your dog be scanned by a dog warden and found to be without a microchip, you'll be given 21 days to rectify the situation. Fail to do so, and you could be hit with a fine of up to £500, according to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Certain very small puppies, or those with particular health conditions, may be granted a temporary exemption certificate by a vet, permitting them to be microchipped at a slightly later stage. Dog owners are also obliged to keep their pet's microchip details current and ensure they are recorded on a UK government-approved database. Additionally, your dog must wear a collar and tag displaying your name and address whenever out in public. Microchipping typically costs between £10-£30, is a quick and straightforward procedure, and greatly improves your chances of being reunited with your pet should they go missing. If you're unsure whether your dog has been microchipped, simply take them to your local vet to be scanned.