Welfare concerns?
If you have concerns about the welfare of a dog then you should contact the RSPCA who will advise you on how they may be able to help. Call 0300 1234 999 or complete their online reporting form.
Noisy dogs
Report a Noisy Dog OnlinePet support
Wood Green, the Animals' Charity, offers a range of services to help support and advise pet owners, including:
- financial support towards neutering and vets bills
- advice on pet behaviour
- dog training classes
- outreach services, including 'MOT' checks for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens
- what to do if you can no longer keep your dog.
Further information about pet support can be found on Wood Green's website.
Microchipping
From 6 April 2016 all dogs are legally required to be microchipped and registered to an approved database. If your dog isn't microchipped, you may be issued with a Notice requiring you to get your dog microchipped within 21 days or risk being fined up to £500.
Where can I get my dog microchipped?
Many vets, kennels and dog groomers carry out dog microchipping. They charge a fee and costs will vary.
Organisations such as Wood Green, the Animals' Charity and the Dogs Trust offer free microchipping from time to time.
I have a litter of puppies – what do I need to do?
All puppies that you keep, including those you intend to sell or pass to a new keeper, must be microchipped by the age of eight weeks and registered with your details.
Once the puppy is sold or passed on, you must give the microchipping paperwork to the new keeper, preferably with the details updated to the new keeper. Otherwise, the new keeper becomes responsible for making sure all details are updated and kept up to date with the relevant microchipping database.
If your puppies aren't microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old you can be prosecuted under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015.
I'm getting a puppy – what do I need to do?
If you are getting a new puppy you should never take one under the age of at least eight weeks. Please make sure the breeder has microchipped the puppy and given you the paperwork. You will then become responsible for ensuring the microchip company has updated details with the correct name, address and contact numbers.
What should I do if my puppy isn't microchipped?
If your puppy isn't microchipped, please report the breeder to our Community Protection and Enforcement team by calling 01480 388302 or emailing envhealth@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
Need more information or advice?
Please see the Related Links section below or contact us on 01480 388302 or emailing envhealth@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.