Compulsory MicroChipping for Animals

There are different requirements for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For further information please select the relevant option below.


In England, as of June 2024, it is compulsory for all cats and dogs to be MicroChipped, dogs by the age of 8 weeks and cats by the age of 20 weeks. In Scotland and Wales it is compulsory for all dogs to be MicroChipped by the age of 8 weeks.

For more information, please click on the relevant button below.

A quick overview for pet owners about the compulsory microchipping legislation:

  • Your pet must be MicroChipped by the age specified above, or before first transfer if younger
  • Breeders must MicroChip and register their details on a compliant database before transferring to a new keeper
  • You must ensure that your contact are details kept up-to-date on a compliant MicroChip database
  • If your pet is not microchipped and registered on a compliant MicroChip database you could be served with a notice requiring this to happen by your local authority. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £500

If you need to update your pet's MicroChip details on the database please click here.

Please remember it is still the law that your dog wears a collar tag displaying keeper details - this requirement has not changed.
For more information on ordering a collar tag with your details engraved on it, please click here.

A quick overview for veterinary practices and welfare organisations about the compulsory microchipping legislation:

  • Animals must be MicroChipped by the age specified above, or before first transfer if younger
  • Breeders must MicroChip and register their details on a compliant database before transferring to a new keeper
  • Pet owners must ensure that their contact details are kept up-to-date on a compliant MicroChip database
  • Should you find an adverse reaction you should report it to the VMD
  • You are not being asked to enforce the legislation, but it is good to advise pet owners and breeders of their responsibility

For information on how you can register and search for pet MicroChips in the UK, please click here

A breeder in terms of this legislation is anyone who owns a dog or cat that has had a litter of puppies or kittens. A quick overview for dog or cat breeders about the compulsory microchipping legislation:

  • Animals must be MicroChipped by the age specified above, or before you transfer it to the new keeper
  • You must be the first registered contact on the database and be recorded as the breeder
  • The UK PETtrac Database has bespoke systems for breeders to use to update details. Click here to find out more

To read the full legislation please refer to the relevant government site: England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland


In 2020 microchipping became mandatory for all horses, ponies and donkeys in the UK. If your animal is found without a microchip you can be fined up to £200.

  • Contact your vets to ensure the animal has a MicroChip implanted and make sure you have a note of this number
  • Ensure the animal is registered on the Central Equine Database and has a valid passport.
  • Identify the microchip database you are registered with and ensure your details are up to date by clicking here


If you have any further questions about compulsory microchipping for pets you can contact us here



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