Microchip Legislation

It is now the law throughout the UK for all dog owners to have their dogs microchipped and their details recorded with a government compliant database, such as Animal Tracker.

Key Points:

ALL dogs in the UK must be microchipped
Breeders (the owner of the bitch that had the litter) are responsible for microchipping and must be listed as the first keeper on database records
Puppies must be microchipped by 8 weeks, before they are sold
All owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024
Recorded keepers (where the dog or cat resides) must ensure their contact details are kept up-to-date on a government compliant database

Legislation introduced in April 2016, states that it is compulsory for all owners to ensure their dog is microchipped by 8 weeks of age and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a DEFRA compliant, pet microchipping database. If they do not, they could face a fine of up to £500.

New legislation in 2023 states that cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a DEFRA compliant, pet microchipping database. All owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024 and owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted or they could face a fine of up to £500.

The Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023

All microchip training must be undertaken with an approved supplier such as Peddymark. Peddymark has been awarded approved status by Defra and The Secretary of State, The Scottish Secretary of State and The Welsh Assembly to train in England, Scotland and Wales respectively.

Find a microchip Implanter here.

Become an Implanter here.