Dog Days UK

Owning a dog in the UK, explained

Articles

Every guide we've published, newest first.

A footpath running beside a wire fence, with sheep grazing in the valley beyond

Dogs and Livestock: What the Countryside Code Says

What the Countryside Code says about walking your dog near sheep, cattle and horses, when a lead is a legal requirement, and what to do if livestock approach.

8 November 2026A wet brown dog leaping out of a paddling pool in a garden

Walking Your Dog in Hot Weather: How to Prevent Heatstroke

How to keep your dog safe on hot days: when to walk, the 7-second pavement test, which dogs are most at risk, and heatstroke first aid, from PDSA.

8 November 2026Two spaniels sitting on the grass in a park, both on leads

Dog Lead Laws and PSPOs: When Your Dog Must Be on a Lead

When your dog must be on a lead in England and Wales: Public Spaces Protection Orders, Open Access land and the coast, and the fines for ignoring a PSPO.

8 November 2026A wire-haired terrier sitting on a seat beside its owner on a journey

Taking Your Dog to the EU: Rabies Jab, Chip and Paperwork

How to take your dog from Great Britain to the EU: microchip, rabies vaccination, the 21-day wait, an animal health certificate and tapeworm treatment.

8 November 2026A ginger dog in a tweed collar with a round metal ID tag, against a blue wall

Dog Microchipping Law in the UK: What Every Owner Must Do

The UK rules on microchipping your dog: the 8-week deadline, approved databases, keeping your details up to date and the £500 fine, taken from GOV.UK.

8 November 2026

Our first guides are on their way. In the meantime, take a look at the owner checklist.