What every owner needs to know about microchipping

Whether you have a wandering cat or an adventurous dog, the thought of them going missing is every owner’s worst nightmare.

Microchipping is the single most effective way to ensure that if your pet is found, they can be scanned and returned to you as quickly as possible. In fact, microchipped pets are twice as likely to be reunited with their owners.

The law for dogs

Microchipping has been a legal requirement for all dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales since 6 April 2016.

• All puppies must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database by the time they are 8 weeks old.
• It is the breeder’s legal responsibility to ensure the puppy is chipped before they leave for their new home.
• Even though your dog is microchipped, they are still legally required to wear a collar and ID tag in public.

The law for cats

As of 10 June 2024, it is a legal requirement for all pet cats in England to be microchipped.

• Your cat must be microchipped by the time they reach 20 weeks of age.
• This law applies to all pet cats, even if they never venture outdoors.
• The only cats exempt from this law are “free-living” cats with little to no human interaction, such as feral or farm cats.

Keeping your details up to date

A microchip is only effective if the information linked to it is correct. Under the law, the “keeper” (the person the pet lives with) is responsible for ensuring the database details are accurate.

If you move house or change your phone number, you must contact your microchip database provider to update your records. Failing to keep your details up to date is treated the same as not having a microchip at all and can result in a fine of up to £500.

How does microchipping work?

The procedure is quick, simple, and no more painful than a routine vaccination. A tiny chip — roughly the size of a grain of rice — is inserted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades.

Each chip has a unique 15-digit code. When a lost pet is taken to a vet or rescue centre, they use a scanner to read this code, which allows them to find your contact information on a secure, government-approved database.

Why microchipping matters for insurance

Microchipping provides vital peace of mind for owners of all pets. Having your pet microchipped makes it much easier to process claims if a pet is lost or stolen, and it ensures that veterinary records are always linked to the correct animal. When you compare pet insurance vs savings, the added protection of insurance for theft and straying is an invaluable safety net.

What to do if your pet goes missing

If the unthinkable does happen and your pet is lost or stolen:

• Verify your contact details are correct on the database. You can find where your pet is registered at Check-a-Chip.
• Beware of websites such as Pet Chip Registry and All Paws Registry. These are often offshore operations that are not authorised UK databases.
• Ring local vets, rescue centres, and the council dog warden.
• Post in local community and “lost pet” groups on Facebook and Instagram.

Tips for dogs:

• Contact the police if you believe your dog has been stolen.
• Speak to other dog walkers in the area where they were last seen.

Tips for cats:

• Ask neighbours to check sheds, garages, and greenhouses.
• Leave some familiar-smelling bedding or strongly scented wet food near your back door.

Is your pets future protected?

Getting your pet microchipped is a sure-fire way to protect them against getting lost, but what happens if they have an accident that’s out of your control? Get a quote and explore our range of insurance plans for a range of pets today.