Some people may not be aware that it’s a legal requirement in England, Scotland and Wales for a dog to be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks.This became compulsory in April 2016.
It’s a criminal offence to transfer a dog that is not microchipped and so all breeders are required to have a puppy chipped and registered in their name prior to sale. The fines for not complying can be up to £500.
The microchip needs to be registered on a database which is compliant with set standards, and it must be registered in the name of the keeper (the person who the dog normally lives with). However, just because a dog’s microchip is registered in a particular person’s name on the database, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to be regarded in law as the owner.
A microchip is evidence of ownership, but not absolute proof of ownership.
Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure, which takes seconds to implant. The chip is inserted under the pet’s skin, usually around the scruff of the neck, and once the chip is implanted it should last for your pet’s lifetime. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique code that matches up to your pet’s details.
The microchip can be checked by an authorised person, usually a vet, dog warden or a rehoming charity, which is done by using a handheld scanner. The scanner reads the unique number and the authorised person then checks this with the database.
In the UK, there are around 15 different databases that can hold your dog’s details, so it’s useful to know which one your pet is registered with.
It’s very important to make sure your details are always up to date, dogs can get lost or stolen and it’s a permanent identification to help get your dog back to you.
If you sell or pass your dog onto someone else, the microchip details must be changed. Remember, it’s a criminal offence not to do this.
In accordance with the Control of Dogs Order 1992, although all dogs must now be microchipped, they will also still need to wear a collar and tag in a public place, which must have the owner’s full address. A phone number is advisable, as it will enable somebody to contact you straight away if your dog is lost and found by an authority or member of the public, but it’s not an absolute requirement for it to be on the tag.
As of the 10 June 2024, all owned cats in England must also be microchipped by the age of 20 weeks. At present, it’s not compulsory in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Anne McDonald
PDWRA Trustee & Local Authority Dog Warden
