Got a dog? Then you need to read this Q&A on the new microchipping law
Here’s everything you need to know from the RSPCA.
What age do puppies need to be microchipped?
Any dog over the age of eight weeks will be legally required to be microchipped and registered to an
approved database by 6 April 2016. It’s up to the breeder to microchip the dog and for each subsequent
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A dog is only exempt from being microchipped if a vet certifies in writing that they cannot be microchipped
for health reasons.
What happens if I don’t get my dog microchipped?
If your dog isn’t microchipped and/or registered on an approved database then you could be served with a
notice ordering you to microchip your dog. You’ll have 21 days to do so or you may be liable to pay a £500
fine and could face criminal prosecution.
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receive a notice and may be liable to pay a fine of £500.
Where can I go to get my dog microchipped?
You should contact your local vets to arrange for your dog to be microchipped. The vet will use a
microchip assigned to a specific database, such as www.petlog.org.uk or www.anibase.com, and you
must then ensure that your latest contact details are registered on the database.
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programmes, as do some local authorities.
How much does it cost?
The price of microchipping your dog can vary from place to place. Some animal charities, organisations
and local authorities offer free microchipping and vets can charge around £15.
I’m selling my dog to someone else, what do I do?
Before selling a dog or giving him/her away to a new owner, you must microchip them and it’s
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responsible for ensuring their contact details are registered.
I’m buying a puppy from a breeder, will it be microchipped?
All dog breeders are responsible for ensuring puppies are microchipped before selling them. Puppies must
be microchipped by the time they are eight-weeks-old. Puppies cannot be sold until they’re eight weeks old.
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Hide AdBreeders must also register their details online to be recorded against the microchip for the life of the dog.
In these Regulations, a person is considered to be a ‘breeder’ if they are the owner of a dog which
gives birth, whether or not they carry on a business as a breeder of dogs.
How can I find out if my dog is microchipped or if my details
are up-to-date?
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Hide AdIf your dog is microchipped you should have a confirmation letter or email including an ID or reference
number as well as a microchip number. If you know which database your pet is registered on, you can
check your details are up-to-date by logging in online. Or, you can contact the database team over the
phone.
To find out if your dog is microchipped, or to find out the microchip number, take him along to your local vet
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out who he is registered with.
What if my dog’s microchip doesn’t work properly?
Microchips are designed to cover the dog’s lifespan but occasionally they fail to work.
Anyone who finds that an implanted microchip has migrated (moved), failed, or cause an adverse reaction
to the dog, must report it to the microchip adverse event reporting scheme run by the Veterinary
Medicines Directorate.