You just got a dog. now what?
Whether you adopted from a shelter, got your dog from a breeder, or your mate handed you a pup for your birthday, first thing’s first, you need proof that this dog belongs to you.
And no, just calling their name and having them come wagging doesn’t count as legal evidence. I wish it did.
So What Actually Counts as Proof?
Here’s the real deal. If you’re in the UK and you want to show you’re the rightful owner, you need to have the paperwork sorted. The most solid thing you can have is the microchip registration with your name and address on it.
If your dog isn’t microchipped, that’s not just risky, it’s illegal. Since 2016, every dog over eight weeks old needs to be chipped. No ifs, no buts.
Other Stuff You Should Definitely Keep
Don’t toss your adoption papers. That form you got from the rescue centre or shelter? Guard it like it’s gold. Same goes for receipts from breeders, especially if they gave you a contract or health record booklet.
Also handy:
- Vet records
- Pet insurance in your name
- Council registration, if your local area does that
- Photos of you and the dog over time
Trust me, the more receipts you’ve got, literal or not, the better.
What If Someone Gave You the Dog as a Gift?
Happens all the time. Grandma gets you a puppy for your birthday. Or your ex moved out and left their Frenchie behind. Sweet gesture, sure, but make sure it’s official.
Ask for a letter or note, signed, saying the dog is now yours. If they had the microchip under their name, get that changed right away. The chip is like the logbook of a car. If your name’s not on it, you’ve got no claim.
Can I Just Register My Dog Somewhere?
Yes, and you should. Registering with a vet is one way to start a paper trail. But the biggest thing is the microchip database. Not just any microchip either, you’ve got to keep the info up to date.
If you move, get a new phone number, or change your name, log in to the chip company’s website and update it. Otherwise, it’s basically useless in a dispute.
There’s also pet insurance. If the policy’s in your name and includes your dog’s chip number and description, that counts too.
What Happens If You Can’t Prove It?
You really don’t want to find out the hard way. If there’s a disagreement, say an ex-partner, former friend, or even a stranger claims your dog, and you have nothing to show the dog is yours, it can get messy.
Worst case, it could end up in court. And if you’re standing there with no documents, no chip details, and nothing in your name, the judge isn’t just going to take your word for it.
It doesn’t matter if you paid for all the food and toys. Without proof, you’re on shaky ground.
You Just Moved to the UK. What Should You Do?
First off, welcome. The UK is dog mad, in the best way. But now that you’re here, get your dog registered properly. If you brought a dog from another country, make sure their microchip works with UK scanners. Some older ones don’t.
Then, sign up with a local vet. They’ll log your dog’s info, check vaccinations, and help you get sorted with UK rules. Also look into pet insurance. You never know when you’ll need it, and having your name on the paperwork is one more way to show you’re the one responsible.
What If You’re Still Waiting on the Papers?
Let’s say you’re fostering or in the middle of adopting and the papers are still being sorted. Keep everything in writing. If the rescue group sends emails, save them. If you’re texting the previous owner, screenshot the chats.
Take photos of your dog at home. Keep vet appointment slips. Anything that shows consistent care and presence helps build your case.
Tips to Keep Things Tidy and Drama-Free
- Get your dog microchipped as soon as possible
- Make sure the chip has your name and current details
- Register with a vet and keep records from every visit
- Snap regular photos of your dog at home, with you
- Keep receipts from food, grooming, training, anything
- Store documents in a folder, or scan them digitally
Better to have it and not need it than the other way round, right?
You Got This, Dog Parent
It might feel like overkill to keep a whole file on your dog, but if anything ever goes sideways, you’ll be so glad you did. Nobody wants to argue over their pet, but if it happens, having solid proof saves a whole lot of stress.
And your dog? They don’t care about microchips or vet bills. They just want belly rubs and biscuits. But behind the scenes, it’s your job to keep their little life in order.
So tell me, do you have all your dog’s stuff in one place yet, or are you scrambling through drawers like the rest of us?