Owner checklist

The UK dog owner's legal checklist

Microchip and register your dog by 8 weeks

GOV.UK says all dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by the time they're 8 weeks old, on a database that meets government standards. You can be fined up to £500 if your dog isn't microchipped or registered when they need to be. You're also responsible for keeping the details up to date, for example if you move house. The GOV.UK microchipping page lists the approved databases.

Put a collar and tag on in public

A microchip doesn't replace a tag. GOV.UK says a dog must still wear a collar and tag with your name and address when in a public place.

Keep your dog under control everywhere

It's against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, including in a public place, a private place such as a neighbour's garden, and the owner's home. GOV.UK says a dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them. The penalty can be an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, or both. The GOV.UK guide to controlling your dog in public explains the rest.

Know which types of dog are banned

In the UK it's against the law to own a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro or XL Bully type unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption. GOV.UK says whether a dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name. Its banned dogs page also says that since 1 November 2026 you must not leave a child under 12 in close contact with a banned dog in a private place, such as a home or garden, without adult supervision.

XL Bully owners: follow the exemption rules

In England and Wales it's a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully without a valid Certificate of Exemption. Applications have closed, and new exemptions can only be authorised by a court order. For the life of the dog, it must be muzzled and on a lead in public places, with the lead held by someone at least 16 years old. The GOV.UK page on the XL Bully ban sets out every condition.

Look out for PSPO signs

Some public areas in England and Wales are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders. In those areas you may have to keep your dog on a lead, keep it out of certain places, limit how many dogs you walk at once, or clear up after it. GOV.UK says ignoring a PSPO can mean a £100 fixed penalty notice, or a fine of up to £1,000 if it goes to court. Councils must let the public know where PSPOs are in place, for example with signs in a park where dogs aren't allowed.

Follow the Countryside Code near livestock

The Countryside Code says that on Open Access land and at the coast you must put your dog on a lead around livestock, and that between 1 March and 31 July your dog must be on a lead on Open Access land even if there's no livestock there. It also warns that a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock.

A note on this guide

This is general information, not veterinary, legal or professional advice. Rules change, so please check the official sources we link to before you make a decision.