They say dogs are man’s best friend, and losing a much-loved pet can be devastating. Micro-chipping offers the best chance of a missing animal’s safe return.
More than 86% of UK dog owners have already micro-chipped their pets. But, on 6 April this year, microchipping dogs became compulsory. Any dog over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and registered on a national database.
Pet ownership often starts with buying your pet, and by law, you must be at least 16 years old to buy an animal. Adults are legally responsible for the welfare of their children’s pets.
When you buy a pet from a shop, the law protects you as a consumer. That means that if your pet gets sick or dies shortly after you buy it, the pet shop may give you a refund or replace your pet.
The Animal Welfare Act is now 10 years old. It states that owners must take all reasonable steps to:
- meet their pets’ needs
- give them enough food and water
- house them properly, and
- protect them from pain, suffering, injury and disease
