Ashfield District Council: Low Cost Micro-chipping Service for Dogs

Low Cost Micro-chipping Service for Dogs

Why should I get my dog microchipped?

Stray dogs are a big problem in Ashfield and we are determined to reduce the number of strays that we collect. A dog that is loose or escapes into a public place and is not under close supervision can be a menace. A stray dog will foul, can be aggressive and in some circumstances may attack people. They may also cause road accidents, worry livestock and injure themselves. For all of these reasons it is important that stray dogs are collected and returned to their owners for their own welfare and for public safety.

Microchipping your dog will not stop straying, however it will greatly improve the chances that your dog and you will be reunited before any harm can come to your pet and before you incur expense.

Once you have paid for the microchipping service, the Council's Dog Control Officer will contact you within three working days, and make the arrangements to microchip your dog. This can be at your home at your convenience.

Why should I bother having my dog microchipped?

For added security, safety and peace of mind. Should your dog escape without its collar or lose its collar, a microchip will still enable your dog to be identified to you.

What other services are available from the dog control officer at Ashfield?

Ashfield District Council try to offer a comprehensive range of dog control services for the residents of Ashfield, whether a dog owner or not. These services include:

Dog fouling complaint investigation and enforcement
Stray dog collection and welfare
Investigation of noise complaints concerning barking dogs
Low cost spaying and neutering
Educational materials
Responsible dog ownership educational talks and campaigns
"No Fouling" sign installation

Can I stop my dog straying in the first place?

You can and here are a few tips on what you can do:

Ensure that your garden fences are secure and that your dog cannot get through any gaps.
If you have a gate, keep it locked to prevent the accidental release of your dog, or fit a self-closing device to the gate.
Ensure your dog is supervised by a responsible person and under close control at all times when out in a public place.
Keep your dog on a lead if it is nervous of traffic, people or other dogs.
Have your dog neutered or spayed to control the instinct to roam. (Ashfield operates a low cost spaying and neutering scheme.)

Will my dog find the microchipping procedure painful?

The microchip is a very small, electronic device that is inserted just under the skin of the dog at the scruff of the neck. It is a painless procedure that can be carried out by your vet or by our specially trained Dog Control Officer.

Is it the law that I identify my dog?

Yes, all dog owners have a legal obligation under the Control of Dogs Act 1992 to provide their pet with a collar and disc that identifies the owner's name and address when in a public place. Dog owners that fail to provide their pet with a collar and disc can be prosecuted and fined in a Magistrates Court.

Besides being against the law, if your dog escapes or is straying in a public place, and is not wearing a collar and disc, the Dog Control Officer will collect the dog as a stray and will not be able to identify the owner to return the dog. As well as all the distress of losing a dog the owner will also be liable for a fee, which must be paid in full to the Council before the dog can be returned.

How can i get my dog microchipped?

The Dog Control Officer at Ashfield will be able to microchip your dog. There is a charge of £15.00 (including vat) for this service.

Complete the application form on the microchipping leaflet and present the form with your payment to the cash desk at the one of Ashfield Distric Offices at Urban Road in Kirkby in Ashfield, Fox Street in Sutton-In Ashfield, Watnall Road in Hucknall or Nottingham Road in Selston.

Download the microchipping leaflet and application form

For information on other dog control services or to discuss how we can help you, please contact:

The Dog Control Officer
Environmental Health and Housing Services,
Council Offices,
Urban Road,
Kirkby-in-Ashfield,
Nottingham,
NG17 8DA

Telephone: 01623 450000

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