Microchips provide dog owners with peace of mind, but a microchip only works if a) your dog has one and b) its registration information remains accurate.
Remember that if you live in England, Scotland or Wales it is a legal requirement to get your dog fitted with a microchip by the time it’s eight weeks old. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £500. By getting a microchip implanted and information stored it means:
- Your dog can be re-united with you if it is stolen or lost
- The owners of dogs acting aggressively can be identified
- The owners of abused dogs can be identified and prosecuted
- You are respecting and following the law
How to get your dog microchipped
Charities such as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and Blue cross centres across the UK may be able to microchip your dog for free or for a small donation. Alternatively, you can pay to have your vet or a trained microchip implanter microchip your dog.
Your dog’s microchip is given a number, which will show up whenever your dog is scanned. Make sure to make a note of your dog’s microchip number so that you can notify the microchip database of any new contact details when needed. You must make sure your dog is registered on one of the following databases:
- Animal Tracker
- Chipworks
- Identibase
- MicroChip Central
- MicroDogID
- National Veterinary Data Service
- Pet Identity UK
- Petlog
- ProtectedPet
- Smartchip
- UK PETtrac
Keeping your dog’s microchip up-to-date
As a dog owner, you are responsible for keeping your dog’s microchip information up-to-date, for example if you move house or change telephone numbers. To do so, you will need to contact the database company your dog is registered with directly.
If you don’t know which database your dog is registered on, you can check the microchip number for this information by asking a vet, dog warden or dog rescue centre to scan your dog.