---
title: "Microchipping Your Pet in the UK"
description: "UK pet microchipping law, how chips work, updating your details and why microchips must be implanted by a trained professional."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Microchipping Your Pet in the UK

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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## If your pet is lost

Report to the database, local vets, and rescue centres. Many scanners are held by dog wardens and charities.

## FAQs

### Is microchipping compulsory in the UK?

Microchipping is legally required for dogs in England, Scotland and Wales. Cats will be required in England from June 2024 legislation — check current rules in your nation. Rabbits are strongly recommended though not always mandated.

### How do I update my microchip details?

Contact the UK database your chip is registered with — not the chip maker. Update phone numbers and address whenever you move. Out-of-date details are the main reason lost pets are not reunited.

### Who can implant a microchip?

A trained veterinary professional or qualified implanter. The BVA recommends chips linked to a UK-compliant database and implanted under veterinary supervision.

## Sources

- [BVA — Microchipping your pet](https://www.bva.co.uk)
- [Dogs Trust — Microchipping](https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice)

Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/microchipping-pets-uk
Last modified: 2026-06-25