Microchipping is the most reliable way to permanently identify a pet and reunite them with their owner if lost or stolen. In the UK, microchipping is now a legal requirement for both dogs and cats — and failure to comply carries a fine of up to £500. This guide explains exactly what the law says, when it applies, how much it costs, and where to get it done.
UK Microchipping Law — At a Glance
| Dogs | Cats (England only) | |
|---|---|---|
| Law in force | Since 6 April 2016 (England/Scotland/Wales); 2012 (NI) | Since 10 June 2024 (England only) |
| Compulsory age | By 8 weeks of age | Before 20 weeks of age |
| Fine for non-compliance | Up to £500 | Up to £500 |
| Compliance notice | 21 days to comply before fine | 21 days to comply before fine |
| Who must chip | Breeder (before 8wk or before sale) | Owner (before 20wk) |
| Cost | £10–£30 | £15–£25 |
| Wales | ✅ Compulsory (since 2016) | ⚠️ Cat law does NOT yet apply in Wales |
| Scotland | ✅ Compulsory (since 2016) | ⚠️ Cat law does NOT yet apply in Scotland |
| Northern Ireland | ✅ Compulsory (since 2012) | ⚠️ Cat law does NOT yet apply in NI |
Dog Microchipping — Full Details
Who is responsible?
Breeders are responsible for microchipping all puppies before they reach 8 weeks of age, or before they are sold — whichever comes first. The breeder must also register themselves as the first keeper on an approved database. When a puppy is sold, the new owner’s details must be updated on the database.
Your responsibilities as a new dog owner:
- Verify the microchip is registered in your name shortly after purchase
- Update your address and contact details whenever you move
- Dogs are legally still required to wear a collar and ID tag in public even when microchipped — the microchip does not replace this legal requirement
What if my dog isn’t chipped?
If a dog is found to be unchipped, the owner receives a notice giving 21 days to have the chip implanted and registered. Failure to comply results in a fine of up to £500. Dogs found as strays without a chip are significantly less likely to be reunited with their owners.
Cat Microchipping — New Law (England, June 2024)
As of 10 June 2024, it is a legal requirement for all pet cats in England to be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age. This applies to:
- All cats kept as pets — including indoor-only cats
- Cats of any age if not yet chipped (existing adult cats were required to be chipped from the June 2024 date)
The following cats are exempt:
- Feral cats with minimal human interaction
- Farm cats
- Community cats with no specific keeper
Penalties: Owners with unchipped cats are given 21 days to comply after which a fine of up to £500 applies.
How Much Does Microchipping Cost?
| Provider | Dog cost | Cat cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vet (standard) | £15–£30 | £15–£25 |
| Vet nurse clinic / pop-up | £10–£20 | £10–£20 |
| Rescue/rehoming centre | Often included in adoption fee | Often included in adoption fee |
| Battersea Dogs & Cats Home | Free or low-cost | Free or low-cost |
| Blue Cross | Free or low-cost | Free or low-cost |
| Dogs Trust | Free at some locations | N/A (dogs only) |
| RSPCA | Low-cost | Low-cost |
| Cats Protection | N/A | Subsidised at some branches |
Database update fees: Changing the owner name or address on an approved database costs approximately £6–£20 depending on which database was used.
How Does Microchipping Work?
A microchip is a small electronic chip — roughly the size of a grain of rice — implanted under the skin, typically at the back of the neck. The procedure:
- Takes seconds and is no more painful than a routine vaccination injection
- Requires no anaesthetic
- The chip is passive — it contains no GPS and has no battery. It simply stores a unique 15-digit ISO code
- When a scanner (carried by vets, rescues, and councils) is passed over the chip, the code is displayed and looked up on the database — identifying the registered owner
Approved Databases in the UK
Your pet’s chip must be registered on a UK government-approved database. The main options include:
- Petlog (run by the Kennel Club)
- Identibase
- PetIdentity UK
- MicrofinderUK
- Chipworks
Any UK vet or rescue scanner can read any chip regardless of which database it’s registered on — the lookup system is interoperable.
Keeping Your Details Up to Date
Microchipping only works if your details are current. The most common reason reunification fails is out-of-date contact information:
- Update address and phone number every time you move
- Update owner name if the pet is rehomed
- Ensure your mobile number (not just a landline) is on the database
- Set a recurring calendar reminder to check your details annually
FAQs
Do microchipped dogs still need a collar and ID tag?
Yes — the microchip does not replace the legal requirement for a collar and ID tag. Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s surname and address. The microchip provides a permanent back-up identification — the collar and tag enable immediate identification without a scanner.
Does the cat microchipping law apply to indoor cats?
Yes — in England, the law applies to all pet cats regardless of whether they go outdoors. Indoor cats can escape, be stolen, or be found in unexpected circumstances; microchipping ensures they can be returned if this happens.
Related: Dog Breeds UK Guide | Cat Breeds UK Guide | Pet Insurance UK