In April 2015, it became a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped.  Breeders are legally required to microchip all puppies before they are eight weeks old and prior to the puppies leaving for their new home. The breeder should also be registered to the microchip until they transfer the puppy into your name.

It is not yet a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped, but this is due to change! As of the 10th June 2024, cat microchipping will be mandatory. Under the new legislation, cats will have to be microchipped by 20 weeks old, after this age if they are found to be without a microchip, you will have 21 days to get your cat chipped, failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £500!

Microchipping is often carried out at the time of vaccination or neutering, but can be done at any time or age. A tiny chip (approximately the size of a grain of rice) is injected under the skin where it will remain and act as a ‘barcode’ for your pet’s identity. In the unfortunate event of your pet getting lost or stolen, or if they end up in a rescue shelter or a vet practice, they will be scanned with a microchip reader which will enable the organisation to identify you as their owner and reunite you with your pet.

Your pet’s microchip will be registered on a nationwide database allowing them to be reunited with you from anywhere in the country.