A Microchip is a legal requirement
Since 2016 it has been law that all dogs from 8 weeks of age must be microchipped. The chip needs to be linked to the owner's current contact information to be compliant.
Micro-chipping is a permanent form of identification. A 'chip’ (about the size of a long grain of rice) is injected under the skin of the dog, between the shoulder blades. This chip carries a unique number. The micro-chip number and owner’s contact details are stored on a national database. This means the dog's owner can be traced quickly by scanning it's micro-chip, provided the registered owner details are up to date.
If you rehome, buy or rescue a dog it is a legal requirement to ensure that the dog is microchipped and owner details are updated with the national database.
Remember to update your dog’s microchip details if you move house or change phone number.
How do I update my dog's microchip details?
It is important to remember to keep your dog’s microchip details. If you move to a new house or change your phone number, you must contact your microchip database provider to let them know.
Every year, thousands of stray dogs are unable to be reunited with their owners because their tag and chip details are not up to date. Not only it is a legal requirement to ensure that your contact details are up-to-date, but the microchip is useless without them.
It’s simple to update the details for your dog’s microchip; you can do it online, by telephone or by post – depending on which database your chip is registered to. Charges for updating your contact details will vary across microchip database providers.
If you are unsure of who your microchip provider is, please contact one of the below databases who will be able to tell you who you are registered with or try check-a-chip.co.uk. If you do not know your dog’s microchip number, you will need to have your dog scanned at a vet clinic.
UK Microchip Databases
- Animal Microchips
- Animal Tracker
- Chipworks
- Identibase
- MicroChip Central
- MicroDogID
- National Veterinary Data Service
- Pet Identity UK
- Petlog
- PetScanner
- ProtectedPet
- SmartTrace
- UK PETtrac
A dog collar and tag is also a legal requirement
A microchip doesn't replace the need for a collar and tag.
If you lose your dog and its wearing a collar and ID tag with your contact details it is more likely the finder will contact you direct to return your dog. This will avoid your dog being collected as a stray. If we collect your dog as a stray you will have to pay a release fee for its return. You may also have to pay other fees such as vets and kennelling costs.
If a stray dog is injured and the owner’s details are unavailable, a veterinary practice will only carry out basic first aid. If the dog is microchipped or tagged the owner can be contacted quickly. This gives the opportunity for more comprehensive medical treatment to be carried out and may potentially save your dogs life.
Remember to update your microchip details if you move house or change phone number. Failure to do so may result in additional kennelling fees.
Having a dog micro-chipped or identified does not mean you will get your dog back for free. It allows us to find the owner more quickly and minimise kennelling costs.
