Dog Microchipping
Cost UK
Dog microchipping costs £15 to £30 in the UK in 2026. It has been a legal requirement since 2016 for all dogs over 8 weeks old. The chip lasts a lifetime — the only ongoing cost is keeping your contact details updated.
What You Will Pay
Microchipping is mandatory for all dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales. Owners who fail to microchip their dog face fines of up to £500. The microchip provides permanent identification and is essential for reuniting lost dogs with their owners.
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microchipping at the vet | £15 – £30 | Quick injection, no anaesthesia needed |
| Microchipping at charity clinics | Free – £10 | PDSA, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross events |
| Microchipping by council/warden | Free – £15 | Local authority free chipping days |
| Database registration | Free – £20 | Some databases charge for registration |
| Updating contact details | Free – £15 | Per change, depending on database |
| Microchip scanner check | Free | Most vets scan for free during visits |
standard microchipping at an independent vet
microchipping at a corporate practice
microchipping + premium database registration
Factors That Affect
the Price
Where you get it done
Vets charge £15-£30. Charity events and council-run free chipping days cost nothing. Some pet shops and dog wardens also offer the service at reduced rates.
Database choice
There are several UK databases (Petlog, Identibase, Animal Microchips). Some charge for initial registration while others are free. Switching databases or updating details may incur a fee on some platforms.
Age of dog
Puppies should be chipped before 8 weeks. If you buy or adopt a puppy, they should already be chipped. If not, your vet can do it at the first visit — it takes seconds and is no more painful than a vaccination.
Legal requirements
Since 2016, all dogs in England must be microchipped and registered on an approved database. Owners of unchipped dogs face fines of up to £500. The chip number must appear on all official documents.
How to Save Money
Look for free microchipping events
The Dogs Trust, RSPCA, and local councils regularly run free microchipping events. Check the Dogs Trust website and your local council page for upcoming dates.
Check if microchipping is included
Many breeders, rescue centres, and Kennel Club registered puppies come already microchipped. Check before paying for a second chip — your vet can scan for an existing one.
Use a free database
Some databases (such as Identibase) offer free registration and free lifetime updates. Others charge £10-£20 for registration and £5-£15 per detail change. Choose wisely.
Keep details up to date
A microchip is only useful if your contact details are current. Update your address, phone number, and vet details whenever they change. This is the most important thing you can do.
Would insurance have covered this?
On a typical lifetime policy an owner pays the excess (usually £60–£200) and, on some policies, 10–20% of the rest. Pre-existing conditions are never covered, so the time to compare is before something goes wrong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dog microchipping costs £15-£30 at a vet in the UK. Free microchipping is available at charity events run by Dogs Trust, RSPCA, and local councils. The chip is a one-time cost and lasts the dog's lifetime.
Yes. Since April 2016, all dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by 8 weeks of age. Owners of unchipped dogs face fines of up to £500.
The microchip is inserted via a needle slightly larger than a vaccination needle. It takes seconds and most dogs barely react. No anaesthesia or sedation is needed. It is comparable to having a blood sample taken.
Contact the database your chip is registered with (shown on your registration paperwork). Most allow online updates. Some charge £5-£15 per change while others offer free updates. Always update when you move house or change phone number.
Yes. Cat microchipping is strongly recommended and may become a legal requirement. The cost is the same — £15-£30 at a vet. Cats Protection and Cats Protection League often run free cat chipping events.
Find microchipping services near you
Compare local vet prices for microchipping or find free chipping events in your area.