Gwefan llywodraeth y DU

Your responsibilities as a dog owner

If you own a dog, by law, you must look after it properly - if you don't, you could be fined and banned from owning animals.

You are responsible for:

• making sure your dog wears a collar tag when out in a public place, so your dog can be returned to you if lost
• cleaning up after your dog in public places
• keeping your dog under control in a public place

• Dog fouling

• Lost and stray dogs

• Controlling your dog in public

Barking dogs

It is normal for a dog to bark, however, constant barking or whining isn't normal dog behaviour. It can be disturbing and annoying for you and your neighbours. If you need help with this problem, you can contact a local dog trainer. Check your phone book or search online for trainers in your area.

If you don't tackle the problem, your neighbour could make a complaint to the local council if your dog's barking is disturbing them or causing a nuisance. The environmental health department will usually deal with the complaint.

• Report a noise nuisance Opens new window

Banned and dangerous dogs

There are certain types of dog that are banned in the UK. You must not own, breed from, sell or give away a banned dog.

• Dogs that are banned in the UK

Costs of owning a dog

It's a good idea to work out how much each week your dog will cost, so you can make sure you can afford to care for it. Things you are likely to spend the most money on during your dog's lifetime (10 - 15 years) include:

• vet's bills such as vaccinations and neutering
• insurance - in case it's involved in an accident or becomes ill
• food
• paying for your dog to stay in a kennel when you're away

Training and looking after your dog

Organisations such as the Kennel Club and animal charities have websites full of information about dogs and how to look after them. You'll find topics such as:

• choosing a dog that suits your lifestyle
• training
• healthcare and vaccinations

If you need help with training your dog, you can contact a local dog trainer. Check the phone book or search online for trainers in your area.

• The Blue Cross Opens new window

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Opens new window

• Kennel Club Opens new window

When your dog dies

If your dog dies, or is put down by a vet, they will dispose of your dog for you, if asked.

If you want to bury your dog in your own garden you should contact your local authority for advice. There are certain guidelines to be met - for example, burying your dog at least 1.25 metres below ground.

You may want your dog to be buried in a pet cemetery. Contact the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria for details of your nearest pet cemetery.

• Find your local council

• Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria Opens new window

Reporting a dog that has been run-over

By law, anyone running over a dog (even if it's not killed) should stop and report the accident to the police. You must do this within 24 hours.

If you find a dead dog, contact your council's dog warden service. Most councils aim to collect the dog within 24 hours and will try to contact the owner.

• Search for your local council

• Find a police authority Opens new window

If you think a dog is being treated cruelly

If you think a dog is being treated cruelly by its owner, contact the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). The RSPCA has a 24-hour advice line:

Tel: 0300 1234 999

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Opens new window

If you can't look after your dog

If you have problems looking after your dog, there may be help.

Short-term help

There may be a reason you are unable to look after your dog - for example, if you go into hospital. Your options include:

• asking a family member, friend or neighbour to help
• putting your dog in kennels
• asking your local vet or council's dog warden service if they know of any local volunteers who could help
• contacting an animal support network or charity - search online or use the phonebook

The Cinnamon Trust is a charitable organisation that has 4,500 registered volunteers across the UK. They may be able to help you find pet care if you are elderly and have to go into hospital.

• The Cinnamon Trust Opens new window

If you feel you can no longer look after your dog

If you feel you can no longer look after your dog, you can contact a local dogs or home animal shelter. They make take in your dog, but you will have to formally give up ownership of your dog.

More useful links

• The Blue Cross Opens new window

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Opens new window

• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Opens new window