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With effect from the 6th April 2016, dogs in the U.K. must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks (Microchipping of Dogs (England) Order 2015; similar laws apply in other parts of the U.K.). The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under the skin, normally between the shoulderblades. It carries a unique number and it it this that identifies the dog. The number can be read by passing a special scanner over the area where the chip is located, the number can then be read on the scanner display.
Before buying a dog, the buyer should see proof that he has been chipped; in the form of a microchip certificate, a vet record, or a pet passport. Ideally the breeder will possess a scanner to prove that the dog in front of you is in fact the one that the microchip certificate belongs to. The chip number and owner's details are held on a database so that if the dog is found lost, straying, after having been stolen or deceased, the owner can be identified and notified. Responsibility for keeping the contact information up to date lies with the owner. There are currently 10 organisations who provide approved databases.
Failure to have your dog chipped and recorded on a database carries penalties which can be enforced by the police, or persons appointed by the local authority. These include an order to have the dog chipped within 21 days, a fine of up to £500, and seizure of the dog.
Having a dog microchipped does not remove the requirement for your dog to wear an identification tag or plate on his collar when in public (Control of Dogs Order 1992). The identification tag or plate must carry the name and address of the owner.
Get your dog microchipped - GOV.UK
Author: @JoanneF
Before buying a dog, the buyer should see proof that he has been chipped; in the form of a microchip certificate, a vet record, or a pet passport. Ideally the breeder will possess a scanner to prove that the dog in front of you is in fact the one that the microchip certificate belongs to. The chip number and owner's details are held on a database so that if the dog is found lost, straying, after having been stolen or deceased, the owner can be identified and notified. Responsibility for keeping the contact information up to date lies with the owner. There are currently 10 organisations who provide approved databases.
- Animal Tracker
- Identibase
- MicroChip Central
- MicroDogID
- National Veterinary Data Service
- Pet Identity UK
- Petlog
- ProtectedPet
- Smartchip
- UK PETtrac
Failure to have your dog chipped and recorded on a database carries penalties which can be enforced by the police, or persons appointed by the local authority. These include an order to have the dog chipped within 21 days, a fine of up to £500, and seizure of the dog.
Having a dog microchipped does not remove the requirement for your dog to wear an identification tag or plate on his collar when in public (Control of Dogs Order 1992). The identification tag or plate must carry the name and address of the owner.
Get your dog microchipped - GOV.UK
Author: @JoanneF
