ADVICE
What should I do if my dog goes missing?
Losing your dog is very upsetting. But don’t panic, there are many constructive things you can do to help find them.
Read more about 'What should I do if my dog goes missing?'
Everything you need to know about dog microchipping
As well as being a legal requirement in the UK, microchipping your dog can also give you the best chance of being reunited if they ever go missing.
If you have a dog, it’s vital that you get them microchipped as soon as possible – and ensure the details on their chip are kept up to date. Here we explain what this means for you and your canine companion.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a small electronic chip that is implanted under your dog’s skin. It’s around the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner. The chip links to an owner’s contact details on a national database. So, if your dog ever goes missing or is stolen, the authorities can return them to you as quickly and safely as possible. For these reasons, it’s important that your details on the microchip are kept up to date.
How do I update my dog’s microchip details?
A microchip is only useful if the details on it are accurate and up to date. For example, if you change your phone number or move home, you should contact your microchip database provider to let them know.
Sadly, thousands of dogs go missing every year and many aren’t reunited with their owners because their tag and chip details aren’t up to date. It’s simple to update your dog’s microchip – you can do it online, by telephone or by post, depending on which database your chip is registered to. There will be a charge for this, which varies across microchip database providers.
Who is my microchip provider?
Not sure who your microchip provider is? Try check-a-chip.co.uk or contact any one of the databases listed below, who’ll be able to tell you who you’re registered with. If you don’t know your dog’s microchip number, you can have your dog scanned at a vet clinic.
UK microchip databases
- Animal Microchips
- Animal Tracker
- Chipworks
- Identibase
- MicroChip Central
- MicroDogID
- National Veterinary Data Service
- Pet Identity UK
- Petlog
- PetScanner
- ProtectedPet
- SmartTrace
- UK PETtrac
The following databases have been approved by the Scottish government for use in Scotland:
- Animal Microchips
- Animal Tracker
- Chipworks
- identibase
- MicroChip Central
- MyPet
- National Veterinary Data Service
- Protected Pet
- Pet Log
- PETtrac
- Pet Identity UK
- SmartTrace
Microchipping FAQs
How can I get my dog microchipped?
How can I get my dog microchipped?
Your vet will be able to administer the microchip for you.
How and where is the microchip implanted?
How and where is the microchip implanted?
The microchip is injected through a sterile needle under the dog’s skin, between the shoulder blades.
Will microchipping hurt my dog?
Will microchipping hurt my dog?
Microchipping is generally a quick and straightforward procedure – similar to a standard vaccination – and most dogs tolerate it well. No anaesthetic is required, but some may find the procedure a little uncomfortable, just like any other injection. If you’re worried about your dog’s reaction, talk to your vet beforehand.
How are owners traced?
How are owners traced?
If a stray dog is found with a microchip, the local authority, vet practice or animal welfare organisation will contact the national 24-hour database to find the owner’s details. The owner can then be contacted and reunited with their dog.
What’s the law on microchipping?
What’s the law on microchipping?
Since 6th April 2016, all dogs are required by law to be microchipped before they reach eight weeks old. The chip needs to be linked to the owner’s current contact information to be compliant.
As well as being microchipped, your dog will still need to wear a collar and tag that states the name and address of their owner when in a public place.
Do I need to microchip my puppy?
Do I need to microchip my puppy?
If you’ve bought a puppy from a breeder, it’s important that you apply for a transfer of keepership and register the puppy’s microchip details to your name and address. You’ll need to contact the correct microchip database to change the details.
All breeders of puppies are required by law to microchip and register their own details before a sale. The microchip must initially be registered to the breeder – it’s against the law for the breeder to offer to chip and register directly into your name.
Do I have to pay to update my details?
Do I have to pay to update my details?
Yes, you may have to pay a fee every time you update your contact details, but you could save money in the long run with premium services offered by most databases. Contact your provider for more information.
Will I be fined if I don’t get my dog microchipped?
Will I be fined if I don’t get my dog microchipped?
Yes, you can be fined. All dogs aged eight weeks and over need to be microchipped. The microchip must have been implanted and your details recorded on an approved database. If you haven’t fulfilled these two requirements, you may be served a notice giving you 21 days to comply.
By not complying with the notice, you could face a fine of up to £500 on conviction. Alternatively, an enforcer such as a dog warden may need to take your dog, microchip them, register their details and then recover the cost from you.
Our team is on-hand to answer any questions you may have about microchipping so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Related content
ADVICE
Dog theft - what to do
Such demand has dramatically increased the prices of virtually every dog available. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a huge increase in the number of dog thefts.
Read more about 'Dog theft – what to do'
PAGE
Pet advice
At Woodgreen, our dedicated team of behavioural and training specialists offer expert pet advice online, on the phone and in person – helping at every step of the pet ownership journey.
Read more about 'Pet advice from Woodgreen'