What is Microchipping?

Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to permanently identify pets, help reunite lost animals with their owners, and promote responsible pet ownership. It’s not just best practice—it’s the law across all parts of the UK.

 Microchipping involves implanting a small, electronic chip—about the size of a grain of rice—just beneath the animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This chip holds a unique ID number that’s linked to the keeper’s details on an approved microchip database.

When a lost animal is scanned by a vet, rescue centre, or local authority, the chip can be read, and the registered keeper can be contacted.

• 🔐 Permanent identification that can't be lost like a collar or tag
• 🏠 Speeds up reunification of lost pets with their owners
• 🛡️ Supports animal welfare by tracing origins in neglect or abandonment cases
• 📋 Assists breeders, vets, rescues, and enforcement authorities in maintaining clear ownership records
•  📞 Improves accuracy and accountability in keeper responsibility

 Microchipping is a legal requirement across the UK for dogs and, from 10 June 2024, for cats in England. Below is a breakdown of current legislation by nation:

The Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023

• Dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks of age
• Cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks of age (by law from 10 June 2024)
• Keepers must ensure their details are kept up to date on a DEFRA-compliant database
• Failure to comply can result in a £500 fine
   

The Microchipping of Dogs (Scotland) Regulations 2016

• All dogs over 8 weeks old must be microchipped
• Breeders must implant and register dogs before sale
• Keeper details must be accurate and current
   

The Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015

• Compulsory microchipping for dogs over 8 weeks
• Similar rules on registration and enforcement
   

Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
The Dogs (Licensing and Identification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

• Microchipping is part of the licensing requirement for dog ownership
• Failure to comply can affect licence validity and result in penalties
   

Dogs Regulations 2018

• Dogs must be microchipped before licensing
• Breeders must ensure pups are chipped before sale
   

Environmental Protection Act 1990

• Enables local authorities to enforce proper identification in cases involving stray animals or public health concerns

•  Make sure your pet is chipped before the legal deadline
•  Keep your contact details up to date on the database periodically.
•  Report lost or stolen pets immediately to the database
•  Never assume a chip is registered—check it yourself
•  Use a DEFRA-compliant, preferably AMDO-member database

1. Use only FX-b compliant microchips
2. Register chips using DEFRA-approved databases (preferably AMDO members)
3. Always provide true and accurate information at the point of registration
4. Register the actual keeper, not just the breeder
5. Ensure breeders understand their responsibility to inform keepers
6. Explain the importance of up-to-date keeper details
7. Provide clear documentation to keepers and breeders
8. Maintain cleanliness and biosecurity during implantation
9. Handle animals with care and follow safe restraint techniques
10. Record and report any adverse reactions or implant issues
11. Keep accurate records of implants, chip batches, and registration details
12. Stay compliant with all relevant UK legislation and regulations
13. Follow the MiA Code of Ethics and Conduct at all time
14. Cooperate fully with any complaints or investigations
15. Commit to ongoing training and professional development 
16. Never implant without informed consent from the keeper
17. Avoid using unverified or non-compliant microchip suppliers
18. Ensure your clients understand how to update their details
19. Only implant animals that are fit and legally eligible for microchipping
20. Promote responsible ownership and accurate registration practices