Cat owners could face £500 fine over new microchipping law.

New rules mean 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, microchipping database. All keepers must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024 and keepers found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted or may face a fine of up to £500.

As a responsible pet keeper, ensuring the safety and well-being of our beloved furry companions is a top priority. One crucial aspect of responsible pet keepership that often gets overlooked is microchipping. So how can this tiny device have a significant impact on the safety and security of our pets?

What is Microchipping?

Microchipping is a simple and painless procedure where a tiny electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the skin of your animal. Each microchip carries a unique identification number, linked to your contact information in a national, DEFRA compliant, database. This unique ID is vital for reuniting you with your furry companion in case they ever get lost or separated from you. Microchipping law can be found below, not following these rules could result in a fine of up to £500.

The Importance of Microchipping

Microchips provide a permanent form of identification that cannot be removed or tampered with.

Safe and Painless Procedure: Microchipping is a safe, quick, and virtually painless procedure. It can be done during a regular implanter visit, and your pet will hardly notice it. Click here to find a microchip implanter near you.

Increases the Chance of Reunion: According to various studies, microchipped animals have a significantly higher chance of being reunited with their owners if they go missing. This is because shelters, animal control officers, and veterinarians routinely scan lost animal for microchips before reunifying them with their keepers.

Global Recognition: Microchips are standardised and recognised worldwide, making it easier for your loved one to be identified and returned to you even if they get lost while traveling.

Prevents Theft: Sadly, theft is a reality. Microchipping acts as a deterrent to thieves, as it makes it harder for them to sell or claim the animal as their own.

Ensures Responsible Ownership: Microchipping is a mark of a responsible keeper. It shows that you are willing to take every step necessary to ensure the safety and security of your furry friend. Microchipping law can be found below, not following these rules could result in a fine of up to £500.

Tips for Microchipping

Ensure that the microchipping procedure is performed by a licensed, DEFRA compliant and experienced implanter to minimise any potential risks. Click here to find a microchip implanter near you.

Next, Register your details to the microchip, on a DEFRA compliant database, here.

Keep Contact Information Updated: If you move or change your phone number, don't forget to login and update your information in the microchip database. This ensures that you can be reached should your furry friend go missing and is later found by someone else.

Combine Microchipping with Other Forms of Identification: While microchipping is a powerful tool, it's essential to use it in conjunction with a collar, ID tag, and proper training to maximise the chances of their safe return.

Microchipping is a small investment that yields enormous rewards in terms of ensuring the safety and security of our beloved pets. As responsible keepers, it is our duty to take all necessary precautions to protect our furry companions. Microchipping not only increases the likelihood of being reunited with a lost one but also acts as a deterrent to theft. So, let's embrace this valuable technology and take the step towards responsible keepership. Remember, every effort we make to protect them is an expression of our love for them.

Microchip Legislation

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, microchipping database. All keepers must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024 and keepers 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.

Find out more through one of the largest UK Microchipping Databases, Animal Tracker, here.