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.
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.
If a microchip cannot be detected or fails to provide identification reliably, it is crucial to take action promptly:
The most common reason lost microchipped dogs fail to return to their owners is not the microchip itself, but outdated database information.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.
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.
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.