Pet Microchip Registration Guide UK: Everything You Need to Know

What Is the UK Microchipping Law Explained?

Since April 2016, all dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. Owners who fail to comply can face a fine of up to 500 pounds. From June 2024, compulsory cat microchipping was introduced in England, requiring all cats to be chipped by 20 weeks of age. Scotland and Wales are expected to follow with similar legislation.

The law requires not just the physical chip but proper registration. A microchip without up-to-date contact details on a database is effectively useless. The chip stores only a 15-digit number; your personal details are held on the database, not on the chip itself. When a scanner reads the chip, it returns the number, which is then looked up on the database to find the registered keeper’s contact information.

Breeders are responsible for microchipping puppies before sale. The breeder’s details are registered first, and the new owner must transfer the registration. For rescue animals, the shelter typically handles chipping and initial registration. For more on getting started with a new pet, see our first-time pet owner guide.

How to Register and Update Your Microchip Details?

When your pet is microchipped, the vet or implanter registers the chip on one of the Defra-approved databases. In the UK, approved databases include Petlog (run by the Kennel Club), MicrochipCentral, Animal Tracker, and several others. You should receive paperwork showing your chip number and which database it is registered on.

To update your details, log into the relevant database website, or call their customer service line. Some databases charge a small fee for changes (typically 6-15 pounds), while others offer free updates. It is crucial to update your details whenever you move house, change phone number, or if the pet changes ownership. An estimated 30 percent of UK microchips have out-of-date information, significantly reducing the chance of reuniting lost pets.

If you are unsure which database your chip is on, use the free lookup tool at check-a-chip.co.uk, which searches all UK databases simultaneously. Simply enter the 15-digit chip number and it will tell you which database holds the registration.

What Happens When a Lost Pet Is Found?

When a lost pet is found and taken to a vet, rescue centre, or dog warden, the first action is scanning for a microchip. The scanner reads the 15-digit number, which is then checked against all UK databases. If the registration is current, the database contacts you via the phone number and email address on file. Most reunions happen within 24-48 hours when details are up to date.

If the details are outdated, the database may still attempt contact through secondary details, but success rates drop dramatically. The Dogs Trust reports that microchipped dogs are over twice as likely to be reunited with their owners compared to unchipped dogs. For cats, the figure is even more stark, as cats carry no collar or tag in many cases, making the chip the only form of identification.

In some cases, a found pet’s chip may be registered on a foreign database (common with rescue dogs from abroad). UK scanners can read all ISO-standard chips, and international databases can usually be traced, though it takes longer. For advice on settling a new pet, see our first-time owner guide.

What Is the Microchip Costs and Where to Get It Done?

Microchipping typically costs between 10 and 30 pounds at a UK veterinary practice. Many charities, including the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Cats Protection, and PDSA, offer free or subsidised microchipping events. Local councils sometimes run free chipping days for dogs to encourage compliance with the law.

The procedure is quick and similar to a routine vaccination injection. The chip, enclosed in biocompatible glass, is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades using a slightly larger needle than a standard vaccine. Most pets show minimal reaction. No anaesthetic is required, and the procedure takes under a minute.

Some breeders and pet shops include microchipping in the purchase price. If buying from a breeder, check that the chip number on the puppy matches the paperwork, and transfer the registration to your name immediately. For rescue pets, the adoption fee almost always includes microchipping and initial registration.

What Are the Common Microchip Problems and Solutions?

The most common issue is out-of-date registration details. As mentioned, approximately 30 percent of UK microchips have incorrect contact information. Set a reminder to check your microchip registration annually, ideally at the same time as your pet’s annual vaccination appointment. Ask your vet to scan the chip at every visit to confirm it is still readable and in the correct position.

Chip migration is rare but possible. The chip can move slightly from the implantation site, usually settling in the shoulder or chest area. This does not affect its function but means scanners may need to check a wider area. Modern chips have anti-migration coating to reduce this.

Chip failure is extremely rare (less than 1 percent) but does occur. If your vet cannot read the chip, a second chip can be implanted alongside the failed one. Both numbers should be registered. For guidance on regular health checks, see our seasonal pet care calendar.