Microchipping

Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, all dog that are eight weeks old or older and not a certified working dog will need to be chipped and registered on one of the authorised UK databases (unless medically certified by a vet that the dog should not be microchipped for reasons of the animals health). If the microchip is registered on a foreign database, the microchip details must be re-registered on an authorised UK database when the animal enters the UK.

Owners have to get their dogs microchipped and registered by law or face possible court action.

There are three main reasons why associations such as the British Veterinary Association have been campaigning for the compulsory microchipping of dogs:

  • to help reunite strays with their owners.
  • to help tackle puppy farming.
  • to encourage responsible ownership.

The council's team will enforce the law and will serve a notice on the keeper of the dog, if a dog is not microchipped, registered on an authorised UK database, or whose details are not up to date. The notice allows the keeper 21 days to comply with this notice. Failure to comply may result in court action.

Microchipping service

Microchipping is the most effective and secure way of permanently identifying a pet.

Updating your dog's microchip

If you move or change your telephone number it is important to tell the relevant microchip database so they can update their records.

If your dog is sold or given to a new owner, you will also need to arrange for the details on the dog's microchip to be changed.

If you are unsure if your dog is microchipped, or you do not know your dog’s microchip number to be able to update their records, please contact us.

Dog breeders

All dog breeders are responsible for ensuring their puppies are microchipped before selling them. Further information regarding buying a healthy puppy and microchipping can be found on the RSPCA  and The Kennel Club websites.

Authorised UK Microchip Database

It is important when registering your dog’s microchip that this is done on an authorised UK Database that meets government’s standards. Details of these microchip databases can be found on gov.uk