Dog microchipping in the UK: the law, costs and keeping details up to date

A microchip is a permanent way to link a lost pet to its owner. Since April 2016, microchipping has been compulsory for dogs in England, and dogs must now be chipped in every UK nation, although the rules differ. In England, the law was extended to cats in June 2024. Here is what you need to know.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a tiny electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It has no battery and only works when a scanner is passed over it. The scanner reads a unique number, which is linked to the owner's details on a microchip database.

Vets, local councils, dog wardens and rescue centres routinely scan stray animals. If the details on the database are correct, a lost pet can be reunited with its owner quickly.

The law on microchipping dogs in England

• Dogs must be microchipped and registered on a database that meets government standards by the time they are 8 weeks old.
• Breeders must get their puppies microchipped before selling them, and record themselves as the first keeper.
• Owners must keep their contact details up to date on the database.
• If a dog is found not to be microchipped, the owner can be told to get it done within 21 days, and could be fined up to £500 if they don't.

There are limited exemptions, for example if a vet certifies that a dog cannot be chipped for health reasons.

Scotland and Wales also require dogs to be microchipped by 8 weeks old under their own regulations, with different enforcement. In Northern Ireland, dogs must be microchipped to be licensed.

The law on microchipping cats in England

Since 10 June 2024, all pet cats in England must be microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks old, and their owner's details must be stored and kept up to date on a database. This includes cats that live indoors. Owners of cats that are not chipped can be given 21 days to get it done and may face a fine of up to £500. Feral and community cats that live with little or no human contact are not covered.

Cat microchipping is not compulsory in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, but it is strongly recommended.

Collars and tags are still required for dogs

A microchip doesn't replace a collar and identity tag. In public places in England, Scotland and Wales, dogs must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it, or on a tag attached to it. Adding a phone number is a good idea. Some working dogs are exempt.

How much does microchipping cost?

Prices vary between vet practices. When cat microchipping became law in England, the government estimated the average cost at about £25. Some animal charities offer free or low-cost microchipping, so it is worth checking locally. Registering on a database may be included, and some databases charge a fee for changes or premium services.

Does microchipping hurt?

Microchips are implanted with a needle, a little like a routine injection. Most pets react briefly or not at all. It should be done by a vet, vet nurse or trained implanter. Problems are uncommon, but if you notice swelling or soreness, speak to your vet.

Keeping your details up to date

The microchip itself never changes, but your details on the database might. Update them whenever you:

• move house;
• change your phone number or email address;
• rehome or sell your pet, so the new owner is recorded as the keeper;
• take on a pet, so the record is transferred to you.

If you don't know which database your pet's chip is registered with, a vet can scan the chip, and you can use the GOV.UK guidance to find the right database. Make sure the database you use is on the government's approved list.

Beware of microchip scams

Fraudsters sometimes send emails or texts claiming your pet's microchip registration has expired or needs payment. Check the address carefully, and contact your database directly using details from its official website rather than clicking a link. You can report suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding them to [email protected].

If your pet is lost or stolen

1. Contact the microchip database straight away and report your pet missing.
2. Contact local vets, the council's dog warden service and nearby rescue centres.
3. Report a theft to the police and give them the microchip number.
4. Share clear photos on local lost pet groups, without your full address.