Pet Microchipping Explained
If your pet ever wanders off without telling you, or, even worse, stolen, a microchip can offer you the best chance of getting them home safely. For information on pet microchipping for cats, dogs and rabbits, here’s how microchipping can help reunite you and your pet.
Why Microchip Your Pet?
If your pet spots an open door and makes a break for it without their collar, a microchip can help get them back home safe and sound. If they're picked up by a friendly human and taken to the nearest vet, rescue centre or local authority, they'll need some sort of identification to be able to help.
How Big Are Pet Microchips?
A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique code linked to your pet's details. When the chip is scanned, the unique number can be used to find your contact information on the registered microchip database, allowing you to be contacted and reunited with your furry escape artist.
Do Pets Need to Be Microchipped?
Getting your pet microchipped is now a legal requirement for cats and dogs in England. It's also strongly recommended for rabbits. Going without just isn't an option. But there's more to it than simply staying on the right side of the law.
A microchip gives your pet the best chance of being reunited with you if they become lost, stolen or injured. However, a microchip is only effective if the contact details linked to it are accurate and up to date.
If you're unsure which database your pet is registered with, you can search for their microchip record through a trusted database provider such as PetDatabase.
But it's not just about dogs. Cats and rabbits are more than capable of going on extended walkies - and there's the possibility of pet theft to think about, too.
Do Dogs Need to be Microchipped?
Yes. In England, Scotland and Wales, dogs must be microchipped by the time they're 8 weeks old. In Northern Ireland, dogs must also be microchipped as a condition of obtaining a dog licence.
Dog microchipping is a legal requirement and an essential part of responsible pet ownership. A microchip provides a permanent form of identification, helping reunite you with your pet if they go missing.
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action and fines of up to £500.
Here's what you need to know:
- All dogs must be microchipped by eight weeks of age – usually done when with the breeder.
- Your details must be registered on an approved database and kept up to date.
- If your details change, you'll need to update your microchip record as soon as possible.
- Failing to comply can result in a fine of up to £500.
- In Northern Ireland, dogs must be microchipped as a condition of obtaining a dog licence.
Do Cats Need to be Microchipped?
Yes. Microchipping cats is now mandatory in England.
Under current legislation, all owned cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age and registered on a compliant database. The law came into force on 10 June 2024.
If you're found not to have microchipped your cat, you may be given 21 days to comply before facing a fine of up to £500.
Microchipping helps ensure cats can be returned home quickly if they become lost, injured or are found wandering far from home. Even indoor cats can escape unexpectedly, making permanent identification invaluable. This helps make sure they can be returned to you if they become lost or injured and help to alleviate one of the major concerns about letting your cat outside.
Do Rabbits Need to be Microchipped?
Microchipping rabbits isn't legally required, but it's strongly recommended - especially for rabbits that spend time outdoors or have access to open spaces. A microchip provides the best chance of being reunited with your pet if they escape.
How Does Microchipping a Pet Work?
Breeders are responsible for microchipping puppies. So, whether they're just a pup or a full-grown pooch, your furry friend should already be chipped when you adopt them.
There are several approved pet microchip databases in the UK, so make sure you get confirmation of which one your pet is registered with, along with their microchip number.
If you're unsure where your pet is registered, databases such as PetDatabase can help you locate and manage your pet's microchip record.
Not sure if your new buddy is chipped? Simple: take them to a vet to be scanned.
Does Pet Microchipping Hurt?
Not really. It's just like having an injection. A needle is placed under the skin (usually between the shoulder blades) to deliver a tiny chip that stays there for life.
Chances are, your pet will barely even blink.
Do Pet Microchips Expire?
No. With pet microchipping, it's very much a "one and done" scenario. One chip should last a lifetime.
However, while the chip itself doesn't expire, the contact information linked to it can quickly become outdated. If you move house, change your phone number or email address, you'll need to update your microchip record.
What's more, keeping your details up to date is a legal requirement for dog and cat owners.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Pet Microchipped?
Many vets will carry out microchipping for less than £20, and in some areas, local charities or councils may offer free microchipping events.
Considering it's a permanent form of identification that could help reunite you with your pet, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Everypaw Dog Insurance
Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.
