Microchipping your pet is a legal requirement and is vital for all pet owners in the UK. A microchip is a small electronic device typically the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet’s neck and has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner. The microchip number is recorded on a database registry with details about the animal and owner.
Microchipping your pet is:
- A legal requirement in the UK
- A global standard for permanent identification
- A critical identification tool
In the UK, microchipping your pet is required and the microchip must be fitted by a trained professional.
UK legal requirements
Dogs:
- Must be microchipped by 8 weeks of age
- Registered on a compliant database
- Owner details must be accurate and up to date
Puppies are usually first registered to the breeder and the new owner must update the record after purchase.
Cats (England):
- Must be microchipped by 20 weeks of age
Non-compliance, can lead to a £500 fine. Reasons for non-compliance include:
- Chip not registered
- Details incorrect/outdated
- Still registered to breeder
Microchip Databases
In the UK, there isn’t just one database, there are many compliant databases. This means your pet may be registered, but you may not know where.
You can find out where your pet’s microchip is registered here: UK Pet MicroChip Search | check-a-chip.co.uk | Identify The UK Pet MicroChip Database A MicroChip Might Be Registered With
To use the microchip search, enter your pet’s microchip number. The checker should identify which database holds the record and direct you to the correct place to update your details. After microchipping your pet, it’s important to ensure the details are kept up to date, including:
- Updating your address if you move
- Updating your contact details
- Ownership change
Guidance for Microchipping Your Pet
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends:
- ISO-standard chips (11784/11785) for global compatibility
- Routine scanning at every visit
- Accurate, single database record
- Verification at key moments (e.g. travel, ownership change)
Microchips need to have the correct data. This is crucial if your pet is lost or if you’re planning to take your pet abroad. Common mistakes include:
- Owner never updates details after buying a puppy
- Dog still registered to breeder
- Owner doesn’t know which database holds the record
- Phone number/address outdated
- Chip never checked after implantation
Microchipping your pet and maintaining accurate records supports:
- Reuniting lost pets
- Legal identification of ownership
- Travel certification (AHC/EHC)
- Disease control and traceability
Microchipping your pet for travelling abroad
Check your microchip meets either ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standards.
Airlines, train, and ferry companies in the EU can read microchips that meet ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. If your pet’s microchip does not meet these standards, you may need to travel with your microchip reader. You can check this with your travel company before your trip.
Check your vet can read your microchip.
If your vet cannot read the microchip, you’ll need to chip and vaccinate your pet again and obtain a new Animal Health Certificate. If this means your pet has two chips, the following will need to be added to the “Marking of animals” section on the Animal Health Certificate:
- the numbers of the old and new chips
- the date they were read and the date the new chip was inserted
My pet has a tattoo with its identification number.
You do not need to have your pet microchipped if your pet was tattooed with an identification number before 4 July 2011, your pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed, and the tattoo is still legible.
Need support with microchipping your pet? Our friendly veterinarians can help. Head to our Pet Care page to find out more. We can check your pet’s microchip or insert a new one before travel.
