Collar, tag and microchip your dog

Collars, identity tags and microchips help to keep your dog safe.

Dog collars and tags

By law, all dogs in public places must wear a collar with an identity tag which is up to date. These help to keep your dog safe and reunited quickly if it gets lost.

Ensure the tag has current details, including a phone number. This helps the finder return your dog quickly without any charges if we're not involved.

You can order a free dog tag if you're an Oxford resident.

Order your free dog tag

Microchip your dog

Microchipping in dogs has been compulsory in England since 6 April 2016 and you must make sure your dog is fitted with a microchip and registered on a database by the time it’s 8 weeks old.

Microchipping also increases the chances of reuniting with your lost or stolen dog. Many pets are lost each year, and microchipping helps bring them home. Unlike collars and tags (which are still a legal requirement), a microchip is a permanent, safe way to identify your dog.

A small microchip with a unique code is placed under the dog's skin. It can be scanned and matched to your contact details on databases. Get your dog or cat microchipped on the GOV.uk website offers further information about the legal requirements and includes a list of microchip databases that meet government standards. It is important to keep your contact information up to date on the database.

Speak to your vet for more information about microchipping your pet.