Like any loving pet owner, the thought of your dog or cat going missing breaks your heart. Hopefully this is something you and your pet will never experience, but if the worst should happen, cat and dog microchipping can greatly improve the chances of getting them back safely. Read on to find out what microchipping is, the laws that you need to adhere to, how much it costs to microchip a dog or cat, and how microchipping can help bring them home.
What is cat or dog microchipping?
A microchip is a tiny electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under your dog or cat’s skin. The microchip is pre-programmed with an identification number that is read by a microchip scanner. This identification number is registered on a database. In the event that your pet becomes lost, the chip can be scanned to identify your cat or dog and return them safely to you.
Microchips are usually implanted between the shoulder blades using a needle. This is a very quick and simple procedure that can be done at the same time as other routine procedures, such as vaccinations. It’s no more painful than a standard injection.
How do cat & dog microchips work?
Each microchip has a unique ID number. When your pet’s microchip is fitted, you register that ID number on a database with your name and contact details.
If your pet is found and brought to a rescue centre or vet clinic, staff will use a scanner to check them for a microchip. When the microchip is detected, the scanner will display the unique ID number and the details of the database that holds your information. This can then be used to contact you and reunite you with your pet.
Compulsory pet microchipping laws
In April 2016 the law was changed so that all dog owners in England, Scotland and Wales must have their dog’s microchipped and recorded with a government compliant microchip database. Dog breeders, meanwhile, must ensure that puppies are microchipped and recorded by the time they are eight weeks old and before they are sold.
In Northern Ireland compulsory microchipping became a requirement for a dog licence from April 2012 under the Dogs (Amendment) Act (NI) 2011.
When it comes to cats, since 10 June 2024 it has been a legal requirement in England to microchip your cat if they’re older than 20 weeks. If not done, owners can face a fine of up to £500.
Full information on compulsory microchipping can be found on https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-cat-microchipped.
Travelling with your pet
Since 2012, if you travel with your pet, all dogs, cats and pet ferrets entering the UK from an EU or approved third country must:
- Be microchipped
- Be vaccinated against rabies and have waited 21 days after vaccination before entering the UK
- Be treated for tapeworm 24 -120 hours before entry (dogs only)
- Have an EU pet passport or an animal health certificate for UK animals travelling back from the EU
Identity microchips are now widely used by vets to establish animal identity, and are a legal requirement when a dog, cat or ferret is travelling abroad, so most animal-related agencies will have a scanner.
Will the microchip track the location of my pet?
No, the microchip has been designed for the purposes of identification in the event of the pet going missing so that the reunification process can take place.
How much does it cost to microchip a dog or cat?
The cost of microchipping a dog or cat varies depending on your location, the model of microchip, and where it’s done. Prices typically vary from £10 to £30 and only a trained professional can implant the microchip.
There’s a one-off payment when the chip is implanted by the vet, which includes the cost of having your details stored on a database. A small charge might be required if you need to change or update your details, depending on the database they are held. BackHome microchips include lifelong registration on PETtrac, a UK based, DEFRA approved database, where updating your telephone number or email address are free of charge.
What to do if your pet is lost or missing
Thoroughly check your own property first. Look in cosy places, under beds, in wardrobes and anywhere else your pet may think it could get some rest, or could be stressed and in hiding.
- Call your vet, local animal warden and local animal welfare centres.
- Ask your neighbours to check their sheds, garages, conservatories, greenhouses or anywhere else sheltered. If they have left a door open and then locked it without checking, it is possible your lost pet could be trapped inside.
- Search your neighbourhood, leaving the description of your missing pet and your contact details with as many people as possible. Remember to speak to any postmen, or other service personnel that cover a wide area.
- Place missing pet posters everywhere you can. Local shops, vets, lamp-posts, restaurants, supermarkets.
- Post on local community social media groups
- Visit other lost and found pet websites, and register your pet with as many as possible.
If you are trying to find a lost dog – walk around the area the dog went missing with a lead, some treats and maybe the dog’s favourite toy. The scents of all these things may bring your lost dog back to you.
Why it’s important to microchip your dog or cat
Aside from the legal requirements and potential fine you face if you don’t microchip your pet, if your dog or cat escapes, is stolen, or gets separated from you on a trip, a microchip can be vital for getting them back. A study published by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home found that accurately microchipped dogs are 54% more likely to be reunited with their owners than unmicrochipped dogs!
Finally, some cat and dog microchip databases will also allow you to store certain medical details about your dog, such as health conditions or allergies. If your pet is found in need of urgent medical care, this information can ensure they receive safe and appropriate treatment.
How to register and maintain your cat or dog’s microchip
For microchipping to be effective it’s important to not only register your pet’s microchip, but to keep your registry information up to date. So if you move house or change your telephone number, be sure to update your information on the database as soon as possible.
If you’re adopting a dog that already has a microchip, make sure you update the contact details with the microchip database with whom it’s registered. You may need the rescue centre or previous registered owner’s permission to make the update.
While pet microchips are designed to last a lifetime, in a very small number of cases, they might become difficult for a scanner to detect. This can happen for a few reasons, such as the chip shifting slightly from its original spot or if your pet develops a thicker layer of fat in that area. Occasionally, like any electronic device, there's also a tiny possibility of the chip itself having an issue. To give you peace of mind, it's a great idea to ask your vet to quickly scan your pet's microchip during their regular check-ups. This simple step helps ensure the chip is still working as it should and can be easily read, ready to help bring your pet home if needed.