Microchipping for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know in 2026
No one wants to lose their pet, but unfortunately, around 250,000 go missing each year in the UK. Microchipping your pet is a vital step in ensuring they can be reunited with you should they ever go missing. This comprehensive article answers the most commonly asked questions about pet microchipping, explaining the legal requirements, process, benefits, and aftercare.
What Is a Microchip and How Does It Work?
A microchip for pets is a small electronic transponder, about the size of a grain of rice, enclosed in biocompatible glass or plastic. It carries a unique identification code which can be read by a scanner used at vets, animal control officers, rescue centres, and police. When a lost pet is scanned, the code is checked against a registered microchip database to retrieve the owner's contact details.
Unlike batteries, the microchip requires no power source; it is activated by the radio waves from a scanner, which energises the chip to transmit its unique code. This simple technology is reliable, safe, and long-lasting.
Legal Microchipping Requirements in the UK for 2025
Dogs: Since April 6, 2016, it has been mandatory in England, Scotland, and Wales to microchip all dogs over 8 weeks old. Breeders are responsible for microchipping puppies before sale or transfer, and owners must ensure their details are up to date on an approved database.
Cats: In England, all owned cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks old as of June 10, 2024. Owners who do not comply may face fines up to £500. This law does not currently apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland but microchipping is strongly recommended for all cats to aid identification and recovery.
Other pets such as rabbits, birds, ferrets, and even tortoises can be microchipped, although there is no legal mandate currently. Microchipping these pets can still help in reunification if they go missing.
How Is the Microchip Implanted?
Microchips are injected under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades on cats and dogs, using a specialised needle. The procedure is quick, usually performed during a routine vet visit such as a vaccination appointment. For puppies, microchipping occurs before they leave the breeder's care, ideally by 8 weeks old, as required by law.
The injection is slightly more uncomfortable than a vaccination due to the size of the needle but is designed to minimise pain. Sedation or anaesthetic is not typically required, but sometimes microchipping is done alongside other procedures like neutering to reduce stress for the pet.
Does Microchipping Hurt My Pet?
The needle used for microchip implantation is larger than standard vaccine needles to accommodate the chip. While this may look intimidating, the injection is swift and causes only momentary discomfort. Any bleeding is usually minimal, caused by a tiny blood vessel nicked during insertion. Most pets tolerate the procedure well.
What If the Microchip Moves?
It's possible for the microchip to migrate slightly under the skin, typically moving a few centimetres. Some rare cases see the chip travelling further on the body, which can make locating it more challenging during scanning. However, a migrating microchip does not cause any harm to the pet.
Veterinarians are trained to scan the entire neck and body if the microchip isn't found in the expected spot. If you adopt a rescue pet, vets will always check thoroughly to avoid double microchipping, which could complicate registration.
What If a Microchip Fails?
Microchip failure is an extremely rare event thanks to strict manufacturing standards and testing. If failure occurs, vets will implant a new microchip whilst leaving the old one in place, and the new chip’s number is registered accordingly. Owners should regularly check that their pet’s microchip details are up to date in the database.
Types of Microchips
Various microchips exist, from basic ID-only chips to advanced types that can monitor body temperature or other health parameters. The scanner’s capability determines what data can be read. However, the standard chip carrying a unique ID code is the most common and effective for pet identification.
Which Pets Can Be Microchipped?
Virtually any pet with enough subcutaneous space can be microchipped. In practice, this mostly includes dogs, cats, and rabbits, but also birds (birds for sale), ferrets, and reptiles such as tortoises (tortoises for sale). While microchipping is compulsory for dogs and cats (in England), it remains a wise option for other pets.
Aftercare and Database Registration
After implantation, there is little required care. Owners must ensure that the microchip is correctly registered with accurate and up-to-date contact information directly with the microchip database provider, not only with their vet. This step is crucial for reuniting lost pets with their owners.
If you move or change your phone number, update your details promptly. An out-of-date microchip record might mean calls to your old address, delaying recovery.
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Summary: key points about microchipping for dogs
Microchipping your pet helps keep them safe and is legally required for puppies before 8 weeks old across the UK and cats in England by 20 weeks old. The implant procedure is safe, quick, and causes minimal distress. Always ensure your pet’s registration details are current. If you have concerns, consult your vet for advice tailored to your pet’s needs to promote responsible pet ownership.
