Other Dog Information
Key Identification & Legal Info for Dog Owners
Responsible dog ownership means more than daily care. Understand the essentials about microchips, pet passports, registration, and more—whether you’re in the USA, Canada, or the UK.
Microchipping
- What is it? A small chip (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under your dog’s skin, containing a unique ID number.
- Why? Permanent identification to help reunite you with your dog if lost.
- USA & Canada: Microchipping is highly recommended and required in some cities/states/provinces. Register your chip with a national database and keep your contact info current.
- UK: Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs over 8 weeks old. Owners must keep their details up to date in the microchip registry.
Pet Passports & International Travel
- What is a pet passport? An official document that records your dog's microchip, vaccinations (especially rabies), and health status.
- USA & Canada: For travel abroad, you’ll need a health certificate from a USDA- or CFIA-accredited veterinarian, proof of rabies vaccination, and possibly import permits for the destination country.
- UK: The UK issues pet passports for travel to and from certain countries. Requirements include microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment (for some destinations).
- Tip: Always check the latest requirements for your destination—rules can change!
Dog Licensing & Registration
USA & Canada: Most cities and towns require dogs to be licensed annually. This helps return lost pets and ensures rabies vaccinations are up to date.
UK: Dog licensing is no longer required, but microchipping and ID tags are mandatory.
Dog Insurance
Pet insurance can help cover unexpected vet bills, accidents, and illnesses. In the UK, third-party liability insurance is recommended for dog owners, especially if your dog could cause injury or damage.
Travel Tips
Always bring your dog's vaccination records and health certificate when traveling. Airlines and trains may have specific requirements for carriers, documentation, and advance notice. Check before you go!