As much as we love them, taking care of a dog can be costly. So, the last thing any owner needs is to be spending extra on simple mistakes they don't even know they're making!
One rule you could be breaking with your canine companion that could see you paying a fine to the tune of £2,000.
So if you have a perfect pooch of your own, you'll be able to save yourself quite a hefty fee if you learn up on this dog law.
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As per the Control of Dogs order 1992, owners can be fined up to £2,000 if they don't have a collar and tag for their furry friend.
When out in a public place, dogs are required to wear a collar with a tag that can identify them.
Whether it's written on the collar itself or on a tag attached to the collar, a dog owner's name and address should be visible.
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Commenting on this law, the Blue Cross states: "Even if your dog is microchipped, they still need to wear a collar or tag. Exemptions apply for some working dogs.
"It’s up to you whether or not you put your telephone number on the collar or tag as well, but we recommend you add your mobile number so you can be contacted at any time in case your dog goes missing."
Speaking of microchips, owners could face a fine of up to £500 and even criminal prosecution if they don't get their dogs microchipped and registered with an approved database.
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According to Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015, all dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped.
There are certain exemptions available if there is a valid health reason not to microchip, in which case a vet must provide the owner with a certificate of exemption.
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The Blue Cross warned that breeders who don't have their puppies microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old, and before they go to their new home, are breaking the law. Breeders must be a puppy's first registered keeper and should also pass on correct microchip paperwork to the new owner when the puppy goes home.
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Time to check up on our paperwork!
Ali Condon