Tips & pointers on owning a dog

You’ve decided to get a dog – what are your legal responsibilities?

There are laws about dog ownership which you need to be aware of. You must ensure that:

your dog has a collar with a clearly displayed tag, detailing your name and address, it is also wise to include a contact number;
under the Animal Welfare Act, you are legally obliged to care for your pet by providing these five basic needs:
somewhere suitable to live;
a suitable diet, including fresh water;
the ability to express normal behaviour;
to be housed with - or apart from - other animals, as appropriate;
protection from - and treatment of - illness and injury;
Manchester has adopted Dog Control Orders. Further information can be found in our Responsible Dog Ownership section;