Updated: 21/08/2024
Microchipping provides a permanent source of identification for your dog, and is a quick and safe procedure.
By law, all dogs over eight weeks old in the UK and 12 weeks in the Republic of Ireland need to be microchipped and registered on an approved database.
It’s important to keep the contact details linked to the microchip up to date, so that your dog can be reunited with you if they go missing.
You can update your contact details by contacting the database the chip is registered with. Failure to do this can result in a fine.
If you need any advice or would like to book a microchip appointment, please reach out to your local vet practice.
What is microchipping?
Microchipping your dog provides a permanent form of identification, giving you peace of mind if they ever get lost or go missing.
It means you are contactable even if your dog has lost their collar or it’s been removed.
Microchipping should only be carried out by a qualified vet or vet nurse.
A tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the skin at the back of the neck.
A microchip contains a unique code that belongs to your dog, and this is registered on a secure database alongside your contact details which can only be accessed by the relevant professionals if needed.
Being microchipped ensures that if your dog was ever to be found and be taken to a veterinary practice, dog warden or rescue centre, a handheld scanner could be held over their neck to find the chip number.
The person scanning would then be able to look this number up on the database and use your contact details to reunite you.
If you have just got a new dog who is already microchipped, take the microchip paperwork to their first vet appointment to ensure the microchip number read by the scanner matches the number recorded in the paperwork.
Microchipping your dog is required by law
In the United Kingdom, all dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped by law.
In the Republic of Ireland, all dogs over the age of 12 weeks need to be microchipped legally.
There is also a legal requirement for puppies to be microchipped before going to their new homes, and the breeder should be recorded as the first registered keeper.
Similarly, if you are rehoming a dog, you should ask to see proof the dog has been microchipped before taking them home.
It is important the breeder or previous owner provides you with the microchip paperwork when you collect the dog, so you can update the database with your contact details as the new owner.
You can be fined up to £500 if your dog is over eight weeks old and not microchipped and registered on an approved database.
The only exception to this rule is if a vet has advised delaying microchipping for health reasons.
How long will a microchip last for?
A microchip has a special coating that protects it and is designed to last for your dog’s lifetime.
If any changes in contact details or ownership are required these can be made through the microchip database, your dog will not need to have a new microchip implanted.
In very rare cases, microchips can stop working and if this occurs it should be reported.
In the event of a microchip failing, a new microchip would need to be implanted.
Are my contact details stored on the microchip?
No contact details are stored on the microchip, just a unique identification number. Any contact details are stored on the database the microchip is registered to.
It’s incredibly important (and a legal requirement) to keep your contact details up to date with the database to make sure you can be contacted if your dog is found.
You may also be fined if you don’t do this. The microchip is only as good as the accuracy of the details kept on it!
Veterinary Nurse Emma Hollingworth (RVN CVPM PgCert – VBM) says:
“As a veterinary nurse, scanning a lost pet who has a microchip is such a relief. Making the phone call to the owner is so rewarding, and being able to reunite lost pets with their families is wonderful. Keeping details up to date is so important to allow us to be able to do this.”
Will microchipping hurt my dog?
Microchipping is a very quick and safe procedure when carried out by a trained professional.
The microchip is injected under the skin, which may cause very brief discomfort; however, dogs can usually be distracted with treats or cuddles, and some don’t even seem to notice.
Once inserted, the microchip is painless, and your dog will not know it is there.
If you are worried, always reach out to your local veterinary practice who will be happy to answer any questions and put your mind at rest.
Does being microchipped mean my dog will not need a collar?
Even if your dog is microchipped, they must still legally wear a collar and tag (including their owner’s name, address and postcode) in public places.
Collars and tags offer an easy and quick way for your dog to be returned to you if they go missing and are found by a member of the public.
Although there is no law to say a collar and tag must be worn at home, if your dog does escape the house or garden wearing a collar and tag it will make it easier to get them home to you as soon as possible.
Did you know?
Updating your contact details with your vet will not update the details linked to your pet’s microchip. These are stored on a separate database and can only be changed if you contact the microchip database directly.
How do I check or update my contact details with the microchip database?
As an owner, you are responsible for keeping your dog’s details up to date on the microchip database, and you may be fined if you don’t.
You should update the microchip details of any new pet you get and change your contact details any time your phone number or address changes.
To change your details, you will need your dog’s microchip number and the name of the database they are registered with.
If you are registering yourself as the new owner, this will need to be okayed by the previous owner or breeder and you may also require a transfer code.
If you do not know what the microchip number is, you can have your dog scanned by your local veterinary practice and you can then check which database they are registered with at www.check-a-chip.co.uk.
You will need to contact the database directly to make any changes to your contact details and you may be charged an admin fee for any updates made.
Did you know?
Sadly, many pets go missing every year, but a variety of species including cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and tortoises can be microchipped to ensure they can be identified and returned to their owners if they are found.
If you need any help, advice or would like to book a microchip appointment please reach out to your local veterinary practice.