Published: 01 Jul 2015 | Last Updated: 05 Feb 2020 17:12:45

From Wednesday 6th April 2016 the law is changing and all dogs must have a microchip which is registered to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. 

How the compulsory micro-chipping for dogs will be controlled

The Micro-chipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2014 will be enforced by local authorities, police constables, community support officers and any other person which the Secretary of State may authorise to act as an enforcer of the regulations.  

How long has a person got to get a dog micro-chipped if they get one after April 2016?

From the 6th of April 2016, all dogs must be micro-chipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. For every dog that is currently not micro-chipped, you will have until 6th of April to get them micro-chipped and registered on an approved database. If a keeper of a dog which is not microchipped gets served with a notice requiring them to have the dog chipped, they will have 21 days to do this.  

What is the minimum age a puppy has to be before being chipped?

The puppy only has to be micro-chipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. The government advises that the dog be healthy enough to be implanted and sufficient time is allowed for the database to process the registration in order to ensure that the dog is compliant with the regulations by the time they are 8 weeks old.  

Is there a fine/penalty if I don’t get my dog micro-chipped?

Yes. Under the regulations, your dog is considered micro-chipped when you (1) implant the dog with a chip and (2) register your details on an approved database. If you do not get your dog micro-chipped or your details registered on an approved database, then it will be considered as not complying with the regulations and a notice may be served. If the keeper does not microchip their dogs within 21 days of the served notice, then you will be liable to pay a fine of £500.  

Is there a fine/penalty if I don’t keep my database details up to date?

Yes. Under the regulations, your dog is considered micro-chipped when you (1) implant the dog with a chip and (2) register your details on an approved database. If any keeper subsequently moves, changes contact telephone number, etc. then the dog is no longer considered micro-chipped under the regulations and enforcement can be taken and a notice served. If the keeper does NOT get their details up to date within 21 days of the served notice, then you will be liable to pay a fine of £500.  

How can owners “keepers” check the details on their dog’s microchip are up to date?

Easily by going on-line at www.petlog.org.uk place the pet’s microchip number in the ‘Look up a microchip’ field on the homepage and press go. If the microchip number is one that is registered with Petlog the keeper is then prompted to add their Petlog ID which is unique to the pet and can be found on their confirmation of registration.  If the pet is not registered with Petlog the keeper will be prompted to contact the relevant database or the Petlog Customer Care Team on: 01296 336579.