Microchipping

In April 2016, the law changed to make it compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped and recorded with a government complaint database. Similarly, in January 2022, the government announced its plans to make microchipping a legal requirement for all cats. Microchipping is also available for other pets, but this isn’t a legal requirement. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. Microchipping your pet only takes a few minutes, but it lasts a lifetime and is an effective, safe and simple way to make reuniting your pet with you more likely.

The law means that:

• Any dog over 8 weeks old must be microchipped.
• Owner details must be kept up-to-date and stored with an approved database company.
• Your dog must still wear a collar and tag with your contact details on when in public.
• If your dog is scanned and found not to have a microchip you’ll have 21 days to get them micro chipped. If you don’t, you’ll face a fine of £500.