Pet Care
Microchipping Your Pet in the UK
By Kaiser Khan, EditorPublished Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. In England, cats must be chipped and registered by 20 weeks, including indoor cats. Keep the database details current: the chip identifies your pet when scanned, but it is not a GPS tracker.
Key takeaways
- All dogs in the UK must be **microchipped and registered by eight weeks old**.
- In England, cats must be chipped and registered by 20 weeks, including indoor cats.
- Keep the database details current: the chip identifies your pet when scanned, but it is not a GPS tracker.
A wider perspective: current animal rescue appeals from the non-profit World Animal Rescue Network.
How microchipping works
A rice-grain-sized chip sits under the skin. A scanner reads its unique number; the number links to your contact details held by a registered database. The chip itself does not store your address or show your pet's live location. Ask a trained professional, such as a vet or qualified rescue-centre implanter, to fit it. Registration matters as much as implantation: a number with no current owner record cannot reliably reunite a lost pet.
Legal requirements
| Pet | UK requirement |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Compulsory across the UK; microchip and register by eight weeks old |
| Cats in England | Compulsory; microchip and register by 20 weeks old, including indoor cats |
| Cats in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland | Optional, but useful if the cat is lost or stolen |
| Rabbits and other pets | Voluntary; ask your vet whether a chip is suitable |
England's cat requirement has been in force since 10 June 2024. For dogs and cats covered by the rules, registration must be on an approved database; simply implanting a chip is not enough. GOV.UK lists the current approved databases, the rules for each nation, and possible penalties. Keep proof of registration and know which database holds the record.
Keeping details current
If you move home or change phone number, contact the database holding your pet's record promptly. You may need the chip number, which is on the registration certificate. If you cannot find it, ask a vet or rescue centre to scan your pet; GOV.UK also links to a number lookup to identify the database. Check that the database has the correct keeper details when adopting or rehoming a pet, and ask how to transfer the record. An update fee may apply.
If your pet is lost
Tell the database your pet is missing, then contact local vets, rescue centres and, for dogs, the council's dog warden. Keep your phone available so the person who scans the chip can reach you. The chip improves the chance of reunion, but a dog still needs a collar and tag showing the keeper's name and address when in a public place.
For a newly adopted pet, see our guides to bringing a rescue cat home and adopting a rescue dog.
Sources & further reading
This guide draws on the publicly available UK advice listed below. Follow the links for the relevant guidance or the organisation's broader care resources.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Editorial sources and further reading (last updated 2026-09-23).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is microchipping compulsory in the UK?
- All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old, including indoor cats. Cat microchipping is optional in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- How do I update my microchip details?
- Contact the approved database where your pet is registered when you move or change phone number. If you do not know the database, use a microchip number lookup or ask a vet or rescue centre to scan your pet. The database may charge an update fee.
- Who can implant a microchip?
- A trained professional can implant a microchip. Your vet, local council or rescue centre may offer this service; ask them how to register the number with an approved database.