From April 2016 it became a legal requirement for ALL dogs to be microchipped and contact details up-to-date.
Contrary to popular opinion, having your pet microchipped is not proof of ownership, it is proof of keepership, therefore, it is necessary to have the details of the PERSON THE PET NORMALLY RESIDES WITH on the microchip. It is possible to specify a secondary contact with some microchip databases.
Microchipping is now compulsory for all dog owners in the UK.
Get your dog microchipped and have the assurance that should he become lost (or be stolen), he is more likely to be returned to you safe and sound.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small electronic chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted under the dog’s skin and contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner.
The dog owner’s contact details relating to each number are logged on a central database, so should the dog ever go missing or be stolen it can be scanned by the authorities and returned to his owner swiftly and safely. It is vital that the owner takes responsibility for updating their details with the database should their circumstances change.
How and where is the microchip implanted?
Using a specially designed implanting device, the microchip is injected through a sterile needle under the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades.
Will it hurt my dog?
No, it does not hurt the dog. No anaesthetic is required and the procedure should cause no more discomfort than a standard vaccination.
How are the owners traced?
If a stray dog is found to have a microchip, the local authority, vet practice or animal welfare organisation will contact the national 24 hour database to find the owner’s details. The owner can then be contacted and reunited with their dog.
What does the new law mean?
Your dog will still need to wear a collar and tag that states the name and address of the owner when in a public place. But as of 6th April 2016 all dogs are now required to be microchipped, the chip needs to be linked to the owners most current contact information to be compliant.
Do I have to pay to update my details?
Yes, you may have to pay a fee every time you amend your contact details to the database. Most databases offer a premium service which often works out cheaper over the course of your dogs life. Check with your provider for more details. You must keep your details up to date. A list of databases and their contact details can be found here
Is there a fine/penalty if I don’t get my dog microchipped?
All dogs aged 8 weeks and over must now be microchipped (as of 6th April 2016). To be considered as microchipped, a microchip must have been implanted into your dog and your details recorded on an approved database. If your dog does not have a microchip, or if your current details are not recorded on an approved database, you may be served a notice giving you 21 days to comply. If you do not comply with the notice, you could face a fine of up to £500 on conviction. Alternatively an enforcer, such as a dog warden, may seize your dog, microchip it and register the details and then recover the cost from you.