Let’s talk microchipping for puppies! That inconspicuous microchip is so small, and pretty much invisible once it’s installed in your pup’s scruff, yet it’s super important to your dog’s security and safety. In this guide, we’ll give you the rundown on what puppy microchipping entails - how to get your puppy chipped, the legal requirements of microchipping, and how to change your dog’s microchip details should you need to.
If you’re a new puppy owner, you’ll hopefully have heard about ‘chipping’ your dog. This is when a small electronic microchip (about the size of a grain of rice), is painlessly inserted into the scruff of your pup’s neck, usually by a vet. The microchip contains your pup’s Unique Identification Number (UID), which is linked to their name and owner’s contact information. Microchipping usually happens when your pup is small - in fact, it’s a legal requirement for every dog over 8 weeks old to be microchipped.
If your puppy ever goes missing or is somehow separated from you, whoever finds them can take them to a vet, who’ll scan their microchip to reveal their Unique Identification Number. By looking up that number on a registered database, the vet can track down the owner’s contact information and get in touch. Put simply, it’s an internal ID tag for a dog, and gives you extra peace of mind that they can get home safely in an emergency.
It’s usually a vet that microchips your dog, and it’s an easy and almost painless procedure. Sometimes the breeder you got your puppy from may have microchipped them, or perhaps the staff at the animal shelter or rescue centre. If you find yourself the new owner of an unchipped dog, you can get them chipped at the vets; and you could book this in at the same time as getting them vaccinated or treated for flea prevention.
It’s actually a legal requirement in the UK to get your puppy chipped if they’re at least 8 weeks old. In 2016 it became illegal to own an unchipped dog, and more recently in 2024, the same applied to cats, too. If you’re found to be ignoring this law, and you don’t get your dog chipped within 30 days of the warning, you could be fined £500.
Aside from legal repercussions, you’re taking a huge risk if you don’t microchip your dog. If they get away from you during a walk or if they’re stolen, you’ll have a much slimmer chance of getting them back if they aren’t chipped. In a sense, a dog’s microchip is both a safety mechanism and a homing device.
Yes, it is indeed illegal to sell a puppy which isn’t chipped. If you own a dog that isn’t chipped, even if you don’t intend to keep the dog, it’s your responsibility to get this sorted. What’s more, if you don’t update your pet’s microchip information whenever your situation changes, that’s also deemed an illegal offence - and another reason to receive a hefty fine of £500.
If you want to see your dog’s microchip information, you’ll need to get your hands on your dog ownership documents to know which pet registry your pooch’s chip is linked to. Hopefully you were given these when you chipped your dog, or you obtained your dog from a rescue centre, breeder or previous owner. Once you’ve identified the correct registry information, get in touch with them to let them know there’s been a change and that your dog’s microchip details need to be updated.
You’ll have to do this in scenarios such as moving house, if your phone number changes, or if you are changing ownership of your dog. Be sure to also let them know if your dog is lost or stolen, and you have yet to track them down - they can pop an alert on your dog’s ID so that if their chip is scanned by somebody, they can assist you in the process of reuniting.
So, your puppy is over 8 weeks old and it’s time to get them chipped. Here are some answers to some basic questions you might have about the process…
It’s quite reasonable to microchip your puppy at the vet’s; the cost can be as low as £10-£30. If you receive a puppy that’s already been chipped, be sure to get the correct documents listed with the pup’s ID number and registry information, so you can update the chip with your current details.
Every dog over 8 weeks old is legally required to be microchipped.
It’s a quick and mostly painless procedure getting a puppy microchipped, and usually involves a small needle. This might cause them a few seconds of minor discomfort, but it shouldn’t result in long-lasting pain. If you notice your pup seems to be hurting for longer than usual, or any swelling doesn’t go down, keep an eye on them and maybe take them back to the vet for a check-up.
It’s very rare that your pup will experience any side effects from being microchipped. They may get some swelling or soreness that should hopefully subside very quickly, but in more severe cases, they may develop an allergic reaction (again, this is rare). In other instances, the microchip might migrate elsewhere in your dog’s body. Get in touch with your vet if you’re concerned about this, or your pup’s level of pain or post-chipping behaviour seems unusual.
Now you should be fully prepared for your puppy’s microchipping - something that takes mere seconds, yet has endless safety benefits! To finish, here are the answers to some final questions you might have:
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