Microchipping your dog has been a legal requirement in England, Scotland, and Wales since April 2016. Puppies must be microchipped before they are 8 weeks old or before they are sold/rehomed (whichever comes first). Failing to microchip your dog can result in a £500 fine.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • At a vet practice: £10–£30
  • At a charity clinic or microchipping event: Free to £10
  • Through a health plan: Usually included at no extra cost

Most breeders microchip puppies before sale, so the cost is typically included in the purchase price. If you adopt from a rescue centre, the dog will already be microchipped.

What Is Microchipping?

A microchip is a tiny transponder (about the size of a grain of rice) injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique 15-digit number that links to your contact details on a national database. The procedure takes seconds and most dogs barely react — it is similar to a standard injection.

Database Registration Costs

The microchip must be registered on an approved database. Initial registration is usually included in the chipping fee. However, updating your details (e.g., when you move house or change phone number) is free on some databases and costs £6–£10 on others.

Approved databases in the UK include Petlog (run by the Kennel Club), Animal Microchips, and several others. You can check which database your chip is on at check-a-chip.co.uk.

Keeping Details Updated

A microchip is useless if the contact details are out of date. This is one of the most common problems — dogs are found with microchips but the owner's phone number or address has changed. Always update your microchip details when you:

  • Move house
  • Change phone number
  • Change email address
  • Rehome or sell the dog (transfer of keepership)

What About Cats?

Cat microchipping became compulsory in England from June 2024. Cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age. Scotland and Wales are expected to follow. Costs are the same as for dogs: £10–£30 at a vet practice.

Where to Get Free Microchipping

  • Dogs Trust: Free microchipping events across the UK
  • PDSA: Free for eligible owners
  • Local council events: Many councils run free microchipping days, especially around the April anniversary of the legislation
  • Rescue centres: All rehomed animals are microchipped as standard

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Defra microchipping legislation, The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, VetCost practice data.