Can a dog’s microchip fail? Causes & solutions explained
Microchipping your dog is one of the best ways to ensure that you as their owner can be traced if the dog wanders off or gets lost, and it is also the law in the UK as of 2016 that all dogs over the age of eight weeks old be microchipped as standard. The legislation was updated in 2025 to enhance microchip traceability and reliability.
Despite this, many dog owners don't fully understand what a microchip does and its limitations. A microchip is not a GPS tracker but a small radiofrequency device implanted under the skin, usually at the scruff of the neck, which can be scanned to reveal a unique code. That code links to an owner's details in an official database, which must be kept up to date to work effectively.
Understanding Microchip Failure
Microchips are designed to last the lifetime of your dog, but failures can happen. These cases are very rare but recognising the causes and responses is important for every dog owner and veterinary professional in the UK in 2025.
Common Causes of Microchip Failure
- Microchip migration: Sometimes the chip moves from the original implantation site, which can make scanning tricky. Vets may need to scan the entire body to find it, and re-implanting a new chip might be recommended for clarity.
- Faulty microchip or scanner: On rare occasions, the microchip itself malfunctions and stops responding to scanners. Similarly, incompatible or damaged scanners may fail to detect chips, especially if older or implanted abroad.
- Intermittent functioning: Some microchips may not activate reliably every time, leading to missed reads.
- Scanning difficulties: Poor scanning technique, moving the scanner too fast or holding it too far from the skin, can cause the chip to be missed.
- Obstructions: Thick collars with metal parts, obesity causing excess neck fat, or matted fur can all interfere with successful scanning.
What To Do If Your Dog’s Microchip Fails
If a microchip cannot be detected or fails to provide identification reliably, it is crucial to take action promptly:
- Schedule a thorough scan: Ask your vet to carefully scan the dog’s entire body to locate any migrated chip.
- Consider re-implantation: The UK veterinary consensus in 2025 advises implanting a new microchip if the original chip is unreadable or intermittently working. This ensures your dog can always be identified.
- Update microchip details: Always keep your owner details accurate and update them within 14 days of any changes to avoid failed reuniting scenarios.
- Report failures: Notify Defra or your vet if you encounter microchip failure, as this helps in monitoring and improving microchip standards.
- Prepare for travel: If travelling abroad, a failed microchip will require re-preparation, possibly including revaccination and new documentation.
Importance of Keeping Database Information Up To Date
The most common reason lost microchipped dogs fail to return to their owners is not the microchip itself, but outdated database information. Moving home, changing phone numbers, or neglecting to update details can prevent tracing efforts. The UK legal requirements emphasise keeping this information current across approved databases, which all vets now use.
Microchipping: Best Practices for Responsible Pet Ownership
To ensure your dog’s microchip is a reliable lifeline, always use a registered and reputable UK microchip provider. Have your vet confirm the chip is working at the time of implantation and during routine health checks, especially before travel. Train yourself or anyone likely to scan your dog on proper scanning technique to avoid missing a chip.
Being proactive about your dog’s microchip and database details reflects responsible ownership and supports the system designed to protect pets and reunite them with their families.
How to Confirm Your Dog’s Microchip is Working in 2025
- Request a microchip scan at your regular vet visits or ask your vet for a scan if you suspect issues.
- Check also that the microchip number is correctly recorded in the microchip database, and that your contact information is current.
- Consider a microchipping service that uses government-approved databases for added security and compliance.
Summary
While a dog’s microchip can fail, this is very rare due to improved microchip technology and regulation in the UK. Understanding the causes such as migration, hardware failure, or scanning issues is important for timely action.
Regular vet checks, prompt updates to microchip registry details, and following UK guidance on microchipping provide peace of mind that your dog can be identified if lost. Responsible owners stay informed and proactive, ensuring their pets are safe and traceable throughout their lives.
