Microchipping your dog or cat

You must make sure your dog or cat is fitted with a microchip and registered on a database.

Microchipping your dog

All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by the time they're 8 weeks old.

It is the responsibility of the breeder to ensure that all puppies are microchipped before this time and their details entered into the database. The database will need to be amended with the new owner’s details as soon as the puppy leaves the breeder.

If you have a dog, it must still wear a collar and tag with your name and address when in a public place.

Microchipping your cat

If you live in England your cat must be microchipped and registered by the time they're 20 weeks old. This includes cats that usually only stay indoors.

You can be fined up to £500 if your dog or cat is not microchipped when they need to be.

Who can microchip your dog or cat?

Your pet's microchip must be fitted by a trained professional.

You can ask your vet, or local rescue and rehoming centre if they can microchip your dog or cat. They might charge a fee.

What happens when your dog or cat is microchipped?

Your pet's microchip contains a number, which will show up whenever your dog or cat is scanned.

You must make sure that your dog or cat is registered on a database that meets government standards.

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