Dog microchipping and neutering programme

The borough-wide dog chipping policy applies to all borough housing estates (this is part of your tenancy agreement). 

All Council tenants, leaseholders and tenants of leaseholders are required to have their dogs microchipped and registered with the Dog Control Service, before permission is given to keep a dog. 

We won't unreasonably withhold permission from a tenant who complies with this. 

Microchipping is carried out free by Dog Control officers for all council tenants, leaseholders and tenants of leaseholders, and at a reduced rate for all other dog owners.

Arrange microchipping with us:

Free neutering

The Council and the Wandsworth and Wimbledon branch of the RSPCA are working in partnership offering free neutering for dogs belonging to tenants who have their dogs microchipped and registered as part of the Council's scheme.

Most experts agree that the average companion dog should be spayed (female) or neutered (male):

  • Surgical sterilisation makes reproduction impossible, combating pet overpopulation
  • Spaying or neutering can prevent life-threatening health conditions associated with the reproductive system, including cancer
  • Dogs spayed or neutered by six months of age are less likely to develop behavioural issues that are related to gender-specific hormones
  • Dogs older than six months may also benefit behaviourally from neutering/spaying

As the owner of your dog, you have the right to decide whether to have your dog sterilised. Responsible dog owners will choose the option that is best for the dog, the community, and the overall pet population. Unsterilised dogs require extra supervision to prevent escape attempts and unplanned pregnancies. Unspayed females (bitches) will have vaginal bleeding (spotting) during estrus and may need to wear a protective garment.

When it is acceptable not to spay or neuter

  • The dog is purebred, has valid breeding records, meets the breed standard, and is part of a professional breeding programme
  • The dog has a health condition that makes surgery too high a risk (as decided by your vet)

Help with transport

The council may be able to help you transport your dog to and from the vet on the day of the operation. For more information, contact the Council on 020 8871 8247.

Up to Dogs and dog control

Updated: 04/06/2019