# Microchipping Your Pet in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk): Microchipping Your Pet in the UK — Quick answer. UK dog owners must microchip their dog by 8 weeks and keep database details up to date. Cats are increasingly covered by UK law too. A microchip is not a GPS tracker — it identifies your pet when scanned by a vet or rescue centre.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk): Microchipping Your Pet in the UK — How microchipping works. A rice-grain-sized chip sits under the skin. When scanned, it shows a unique number linked to your contact details on a UK database. Implantation is quick — similar to a vaccination.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk): Microchipping Your Pet in the UK — Legal requirements. | Pet | UK requirement | |-----|----------------| | Dogs | Compulsory; must be registered before sale/transfer | | Cats | Mandatory in England (check Wales/Scotland rules) | | Rabbits | Recommended; enables reunion if escaped | Keep proof of registration and know which database holds your record.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk): Microchipping Your Pet in the UK — Keeping details current. Update within 21 days of moving home or changing phone number. Failure to keep dog chip details current can result in fines in England.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk): Microchipping Your Pet in the UK — If your pet is lost. Report to the database, local vets, and rescue centres. Many scanners are held by dog wardens and charities.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk