Microchipping your pet

Thousands of pets are lost every year and many are never reunited with their owners. Microchipping your pet gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they get lost or stolen. While collars and tags can get caught or removed, microchipping identifies your pet permanently and effectively.

How microchipping works

A tiny microchip is quickly and simply inserted under your pet’s skin, or in the neck for horses. This gives your pet their own unique code.

The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details, which are kept on a national database, such as PetLog.

Microchipping is only effective if you keep your details up-to-date. If you move house or change your telephone number you must make sure you tell the database you’re registered with so that they have your up-to-date contact details.

What pets can be microchipped?

Many pets can be microchipped, including cats, dogs, rabbits and horses. Check with your vet for advice, as it will depend on the species, size and condition of your animal.

As of June 10th 2024, it is a legal requirement that all pet cats in England are microchipped. They must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age. Even indoor-only cats should be microchipped as they can still escape and become lost.

It’s a legal requirement to have any dog over the age of eight weeks microchipped and to keep your details up-to-date. 

It is also important to regularly check your pet’s microchip is still functioning correctly, we suggest you ask your vet to test it at your regular appointments to be on the safe side.