Dog owners are being encouraged to follow a simple phrase when taking their pets out in public to help keep the city safe and clean for everyone.

‘Collar, tag, microchip, bag’ is the expression that City of Wolverhampton Council is asking everyone with a dog to keep in mind when they take their pooches out and about.

The aim is to remind dog owners of their legal responsibilities including requirements under the city’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The council also wants to encourage a cleaner, more comfortable environment for all residents.

The first two reminders – ‘collar, tag’ – highlight the legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with an ID tag when in a public place. 

The tag must include the owner's name and address, and ideally, a phone number. This requirement applies even if the dog is microchipped.

Wearing a collar and tag helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and ensures their safety. Dogs found roaming without a collar and tag in public may be seized and taken into care. The management of stray dogs cost tax payers around £170,000 during the last financial year.

In 2024, the council handled around 350 strays and took them to kennels while trying to contact their owners. This is a substantial increase on 2020 when 170 strays were collected.

‘Microchip’ reminds owners that it is a legal requirement to microchip all dogs over eight weeks old, and the microchip details must be registered on an authorised database. Breeders must also microchip puppies before they leave their premises.

‘Bag’ refers to the requirement under the council’s current PSPO. The order was updated in 2023 and requires anyone in control of a dog to carry a suitable means of removing dog faeces, such as a bag.

Dog owners are also required to clean up after their pets and anyone not carrying bags or clearing up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.

To help make sure residents are aware of their responsibilities, officers from the council's environmental protection team will be out and about at community events and a social media campaign will run throughout the coming months.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “We want to encourage all dog owners to follow the simple phrase help make our city clean and comfortable for everyone.

“We know that the vast majority of dog owners are very responsible, but we still do see a lot of strays and, unfortunately, too many incidents where owners are not cleaning up after their pets.

“This is unpleasant and can be very dangerous to health. It was also clear from the PSPO consultation that people agreed with the requirement to carry a means of disposing of their dog’s mess.

“Therefore, I would encourage the city’s canine lovers to consider the handy checklist of ‘collar, tag microchip, bag’ and consider what they may need to tick off before going out with their pet.

“We thank all dog owners for doing all they can to behave responsibly. You’re helping to make our city safer, cleaner and more comfortable for everyone.”

To find out more about the campaign and the PSPO, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/dogs