Is Your Pet’s Microchip Up To Date

Microchipping is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to help reunite lost pets with their families. Whether your dog slips their lead in the park, your cat wanders further than usual, or your pet is brought into a vet practice or rescue centre, a microchip can make all the difference. If your contact information changes, it's important to update the microchip's details as well.

What is a pet microchip?

A microchip is a permanent form of identification – it’s a legal requirement for dogs and cats in England. Collars and tags are useful, but collars can fall off or be removed. A microchip stays with your pet for life.

Each chip contains a unique number. When your pet is scanned by a vet, dog warden, rescue centre or other authorised professional, that number can be checked against a secure microchip database so you can be contacted.

Your personal details are not stored on the chip itself and are not publicly visible. The chip links to your record on an approved database.

What happens during microchipping?

Microchipping is quick and straightforward. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is placed under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a small needle.

The procedure only takes a few seconds. Most pets tolerate it very well, and once the chip is in place, it does not need replacing or charging. We recommend asking your vet to scan it during routine appointments, just to confirm it is still reading properly.

The law for dogs and cats

Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and cats in England.

• Dogs must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database by the time they are 8 weeks old.

• Cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age.

Owners who do not comply may be given 21 days to have their pet microchipped and could face a fine of up to £500.

Have you moved house or changed your number?

Having your pet microchipped is the first half of the job. It’s just as important to keep your information up to date.

If you have moved, changed your phone number, changed your email address, rehomed a pet, or taken on a new pet, it is worth checking the registered details. An out-of-date microchip can delay or even prevent a lost pet being reunited with you.

This is especially important in outer London, where many pets enjoy gardens, parks and open spaces. A moment’s distraction near a gate, during a walk, or after a house move can be all it takes for a pet to go missing.

Not sure which database your pet is registered with?

We can scan your pet’s microchip and help you find the chip number. From there, you can check which database holds the record and update your contact details if needed.

Need help?

We can microchip your pet if they don’t already have one and talk you through what to do if your details need updating.

Not sure whether your pet is microchipped? Worried your details might be out of date? We’re happy to help. We can check whether your pet has a microchip, confirm it’s working, and help you find the chip number.

A quick scan only takes a minute and can give you real peace of mind.

Get in touch with us, or book an appointment online, and we’ll help make sure your pet’s microchip is doing its job.

Quick tips

• Microchipping is quick, safe and lasts a lifetime.

• Dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks of age.

• Cats must be microchipped before 20 weeks of age.

• Keep your phone number, address and email up to date on the microchip database.

• Ask us to scan your pet’s chip at your next visit.