Microchipping your pet - what’s the latest?

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Getting your dog microchipped is compulsory in the UK, and the government has announced plans to make getting your cat microchipped a legal requirement too.

A microchip has a unique ID number that will help identify your pet should it go missing or be stolen. DogLost, a UK charity that helps victims of dog theft, found that the number of dogs reported as stolen in the UK rose from 172 in 2019 to 465 in 2020 – an increase of 170%.

Here is all you need to know about how microchipping works, where you can get your pet microchipped, the implications for your pet insurance, and more.

How does microchipping a pet work?

Microchipping a cat or dog is a one-off process that involves implanting an electronic chip under the scruff of its neck using a needle. It takes a matter of seconds, and as it is painless does not require anaesthetic.

Note that microchipping is not an alternative to a dog collar or ID tag – your dog must still wear both out in public.

When you microchip your pet, your contact details will be added to one of a host of government-approved microchip databases and you will receive paperwork with your pet’s ID number.

You can contact any database to find out where your pet is registered, or you can check online.

Once microchipped, a vet or animal shelter can scan your pet for your details and contact you, if it is handed in.

What are the requirements for getting my pet microchipped?

Legally, you must get your puppy microchipped and registered by the time it is eight weeks old. Waiting until it is seven or eight weeks old is best.

If you have a kitten, it can be microchipped once it is five weeks old, and certainly before you let it outside, in case it gets lost.

The government has proposed legislation which, alongside a range of pet welfare measures such banning electric training colours and cracking down on illegal puppy imports, will make cat microchips mandatory.

The new law will also improve animal welfare in agriculture and enhance protection of animals in the wild.

How much does microchipping a pet cost?

Typically, microchipping a cat or dog costs around £15, but can cost up to £30, depending on the vet.

You can also check if a local animal charity, an organisation such as PDSA, Blue Cross, RSPCA and Dogs Trust, or a housing association, may be able to help with the cost of microchipping your pet, or offer it for free.

Usually, only those on means-tested benefits will be eligible for such services.

Will my pet insurance cover microchipping?

As microchipping a pet is a ‘routine’ procedure, the cost is not usually covered under pet insurance. Check the details of your policy with your insurer to find out.

‘Lost and found’ cover or support is included in certain policies to help with finding a lost or stolen pet, but not all, so do read the policy terms and conditions. You may be able to add such cover to your policy at an additional cost.

How does microchipping my pet affect my pet insurance?

Certain insurers will require you to get your dog or cat microchipped. Not doing so could invalidate your policy.

Your insurer will not cover you if you take your dog or cat overseas without it being microchipped.

How do I update the details on my pet’s microchip?

You will need to ensure the details registered against your pet are kept up-to-date - this includes your address and phone number - or risk receiving a notice, and potentially a fine of up to £500.

Most databases will allow you to update your information online, by phone or post, for a small admin fee.

You will also be required to update the database with the information of a new owner, should you give your pet away.

What happens if I don’t microchip my pet?

If the police or your local authority find your cat or dog, and it isn’t microchipped, you will be given a short period of time to get it done. Not doing so could result in a fine of up to £500.

What has changed following Brexit?

All pets in the UK must now be microchipped at the same time as receiving a rabies vaccination or they will need to be vaccinated again.

Pets entering the UK must also have received a rabies vaccination and have been microchipped. There are also new guidelines for travelling to another European country, which were introduced on 1 January 2021.

From the same date, the pet passport scheme also became defunct. You are now required to apply for an animal health certificate (AHC) for your pet, allowing at least a month to arrange this and any required vaccinations. Your pet’s chip number must be added to its AHC.