The History Of Dog Microchipping Laws

Dog microchipping became law in England, Scotland and Wales on 6 April 2016. The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 states that all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and their details kept up-to-date. The legislation was designed to make it easier for lost or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners.

The microchipping law in the UK

As of April 2016, it became mandatory for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped. The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 6 April 2016, making it compulsory for owners to ensure their dogs are microchipped. This law applies to England, Scotland, and Wales, with Northern Ireland having had a similar law in place since 2012.

The microchip is a tiny electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted harmlessly beneath a dog's skin. Each microchip contains a unique 15-digit number that can be revealed when scanned by a microchip reader. The procedure is quick, painless, and inexpensive, similar to a standard vaccination.

The primary purpose of this legislation is to make it easier for lost or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners. When a dog is microchipped, its unique code can be scanned and matched to the owner's contact details stored on a database. This also helps to identify dogs involved in incidents and trace them back to their owners. Additionally, it aids in tackling the issue of stray dogs roaming the streets and reduces the burden on animal charities and local authorities.

According to the law, all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure their dog is microchipped and that their contact information is accurate and up-to-date. Breeders are responsible for ensuring puppies are microchipped before selling them, and they must also register their details on the database. Puppies cannot be sold until they are eight weeks old and have been microchipped.

Failure to comply with the microchipping law can result in a fine of up to £500. If a dog is found without a microchip, owners will be given a notice period of 21 days to get their dog microchipped before facing any penalties. However, a dog can be exempt from microchipping if a veterinarian certifies in writing that the dog cannot be microchipped for health reasons.

The procedure for microchipping dogs

Microchipping is a quick, painless, and affordable procedure. It involves the insertion of a tiny electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) under the dog's skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The chip is encased in a glass cylinder and contains a unique 15-digit identification number. The procedure is similar to administering a standard injection, using a hypodermic needle, and does not require surgery or anaesthesia. It can be done during a routine veterinary visit or while the dog is under anaesthesia for another procedure, such as neutering or spaying.

Before insertion, the microchip is scanned in its package to ensure the identification code matches the one on the package barcode label. The needle containing the microchip is then loaded into an application gun or syringe, and the dog is positioned for the injection. The dog should be either standing or lying on its stomach, and some of the loose skin between the shoulder blades are gently pulled up before inserting the needle. After insertion, the dog is scanned again to ensure the chip is reading properly.

The entire procedure is fast and usually causes little to no pain, with most dogs reacting similarly to a routine vaccination. However, if you are concerned about your dog's reaction to the needle, you can opt to have the microchipping done while your dog is under anaesthesia.

Once the microchip is in place, it can be detected immediately with a handheld device that uses radio waves to read the chip and displays the unique identification number. It is important to then register your dog with a microchipping company, which is often done for a one-time fee. This way, if your dog is ever lost and scanned by a chip reader, the company can help reunite you with your pet.

It is also crucial to keep your contact information up to date with the microchip registration company. This ensures that you can be quickly contacted if your dog goes missing and the chip is scanned. Additionally, if you move or change your phone number or email address, be sure to update this information with the company as well.

Microchips are designed to last for the life of your dog and do not require batteries or replacement. They provide a permanent form of identification, which can be especially helpful if your dog's collar is lost or removed. While microchips do not have GPS capabilities, they significantly increase the chances of reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

The cost of microchipping dogs

Since 6 April 2016, it has been compulsory for dog owners in England, Scotland and Wales to ensure their dogs are microchipped. Northern Ireland implemented compulsory microchipping in 2012.

The cost of microchipping a dog varies depending on where you live and where you take your dog for the procedure. The price can range from £9 to £30, with £15 being the typical price. The procedure can be done when a dog is being vaccinated.

Some local animal charities and organisations, as well as some local authorities, offer microchipping for free or at a reduced rate. Battersea Dogs Home, for example, provides the service for free.

The microchip must be registered with a pet database, and there may be a registration charge when your dog is first chipped. This fee is usually around £10 or less.

If you have bought your dog from a breeder, they may have a basic account, meaning you will have to pay the administration fee to change the registration to your details. This will also cost around £10.

You will need to pay an administrative charge if you move house or need to change any other details. This is usually around £10.

It is important to note that while microchipping is compulsory, it is not proof of ownership.

The consequences of not microchipping your dog

Since 6 April 2016, it has been compulsory for dog owners in England, Scotland, and Wales to have their dogs microchipped. Northern Ireland implemented this law in 2012. While the procedure is painless, inexpensive, and generally safe, there are consequences for owners who do not comply.

Financial penalties

Owners of dogs without a microchip will be given a short period to comply with the law, usually 21 days. If they do not, they may face a fine of up to £500.

Difficulty reuniting with your dog

Microchipping is a safe, permanent, and reliable form of identification that can help reunite lost dogs with their owners. Without a microchip, there is a higher risk of your dog not being returned if they are lost or stolen.

Contributing to the problem of strays

Compulsory microchipping was introduced to improve dog welfare and tackle the problem of stray dogs roaming the streets. Not microchipping your dog can contribute to this issue and place a burden on animal charities and local authorities, who spend upwards of £33 million annually on sheltering, feeding, and keeping these dogs safe.

Hindering the prosecution of abusers

Microchipping makes it easier to identify dogs involved in incidents and trace them back to their owners. Without a microchip, it is more challenging to hold individuals accountable for dog attacks or cases of animal abuse and neglect.

Complications with travel

Some countries may legally require dogs to be microchipped before entering, so not having your dog microchipped can hinder your travel plans.

Inconvenience and costs associated with correcting the mistake

If your dog is found not to have a microchip, you will need to schedule a vet appointment to have the procedure done, which comes with additional costs and inconvenience.

In summary, while there may be concerns about the procedure, the benefits of microchipping your dog clearly outweigh the risks and potential consequences of not doing so.

The benefits of microchipping your dog

Since 6 April 2016, it has been compulsory for dog owners in the UK to microchip their dogs. This legislation was introduced to improve dog welfare and make it easier to reunite lost or stolen pets with their owners. Here are some benefits of microchipping your dog:

Peace of Mind

The fear of being separated from your dog is very real for many dog owners. Dogs can escape, run away, or even be stolen. Microchipping your dog gives you peace of mind, knowing that if your dog does go missing, they will be much more likely to be returned to you. Microchips are a permanent form of identification that cannot be tampered with or removed, making it easier for your dog to be identified and traced back to you.

Improved Chances of Reunion

Microchipping significantly increases the chances of a lost dog being reunited with its owner. A study of over 7,700 stray animals at shelters found that microchipped dogs were more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners compared to overall rates for stray dogs. Microchips provide proper contact information, allowing veterinary offices and animal shelters to quickly identify and reach out to owners.

National Database

When you microchip your dog, their unique microchip number, along with your contact information (phone number, address, email, etc.), is stored in a national database. This means that even if your dog goes missing far from home, they can still be traced back to you. The database is managed and secured by the microchip provider, and only authorized parties, such as veterinary offices and shelters, can access your information.

Protection Against Theft

Microchips also provide protection against dog theft. If your dog is stolen, microchips provide the necessary proof of ownership. A simple scan by a vet can confirm your dog's microchip number and your details as the legal owner, making it easier to resolve ownership disputes and get your dog back.

Quick, Inexpensive, and Painless

Microchipping is a quick, relatively inexpensive, and painless procedure. It only takes a couple of minutes and costs around $50 on average. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the loose skin on the back of the dog's neck, causing minimal discomfort similar to a standard vaccination or injection.

Frequently asked questions