InformationMicrochipping of Dogs and Cats

The Microchipping of Dogs and Cats (England) Regulations 2023 make it a legal requirement for all cats 20 weeks of age and dogs over 8 weeks of age to be implanted with a microchip and registered to a DEFRA compliant database.

Microchipping is not just for cats and dogs though. Microchips can be implanted into horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, tortoises and even fish! These are tiny little computer chips the size of a grain of rice which are inserted under the skin of the animal. When the chip is read by a scanner, a unique number is displayed which can be retrieved by an authorised person such as a vet or a council officer.

Dogs, cats and small mammals can have a microchip implanted by a trained implanter; however, all other animals must have microchips implanted by a veterinarian.

If your pet is microchipped, the chances of reunification are significantly higher.

Failure to have a cat or dog implanted with a microchip is a criminal offence and the keeper of an animal can be fined up to £500.