Although your pup should have a collar with an identity disc, discuss having your pet microchipped at the same time as it is vaccinated. Stray pups often lose their collars and it also helps protect your pet against theft.

A microchip is an electronic tag the size of a rice grain, which is inserted into the scruff of the neck by an injection. This remains in your pet throughout its life and your pet's identity number is kept on file at a central Petlog office.

All veterinary surgeries, dog pounds and animal rescue homes have an electronic scanner. Every stray dog is routinely scanned and if a microchip is present the owner can be traced through the central directory. With the new pet passport schemes a microchip is required if you plan to take your pup abroad.

Warning - if you move house don't forget to alert the Petlog of your change of address.