Choosing a UK pet microchip database

Your pet needs to be registered with a government-sanctioned microchip database; which you choose is up to you. They all meet the same legal requirements, but what you pay, and what you pay again later, can be very different. Some databases charge every year. Some charge when your details change. Pet Database charges once. Here's how the different databases compare.

Register or move my chip record
Check my chip

Your pet keeps the same chip.
You can change the database.

Moving database doesn't mean changing your pet's microchip. The chip stays exactly where it is and keeps the same number. What can move is the record connected to it: the one containing your name, address and contact details. That's the information a vet or rescue centre uses to contact you if your pet is found. You can choose which government-sanctioned database holds that record and move it if you want to. Not sure where yours is registered? Pop the microchip number into our free chip checker and we'll point you in the right direction.

Check a microchip

How do pet microchip databases compare?

There are plenty of UK microchip databases to choose from, and their pricing can work quite differently. We've compared Pet Database with other databases one by one, looking at the things that are likely to matter once you've registered: what you pay, whether there's a subscription, what happens when your details change and how transferring works.

Identi vs
Pet Database
Identi's (formerly Identibase) paid plans start at £15 a year, with an active plan needed to change the details on your pet's record. See how that compares with Pet Database's one-off payment and lifetime updates.
Compare Identibase and Pet Database
Petlog vs
Pet Database
Petlog changed its membership plans in January 2026. Both of its current paid plans renew annually. See what the different plans include, what they could cost over time and how switching compares.
Compare Petlog and Pet Database
Pettrac vs
Pet Database
Pettrac doesn't have an annual subscription. Instead, it charges £6 each time you change your address. See how its fees and updates compare with Pet Database.
Compare Pettrac and Pet Database
Prices and plan information are taken from each database's published pricing and terms and were last checked in September 2026.

Pay once. Keep their details up to date for life.

Your details will change over the years. Keeping your pet's microchip record up to date shouldn't cost you each time they do. With Pet Database, you pay once and can keep your details up to date whenever you need to. Standard membership costs £20. Or choose the £30 Premium Bundle to add a Smart Pet Tag and perks from partner brands.

One payment
Register once and your pet's record stays covered for the whole of its life.
Every pet
A single membership lets you only pay once for all your pets.
Update anytime
Change your address, phone number or email, at no extra cost.
No renewal
No monthly fee, no annual renewal date, and no plan to cancel.
Register now

Switching is simpler than you think

1
Find your pet's microchip number
You'll usually find it on their microchip certificate, vet records or adoption paperwork.
2
Check where it's registered
Enter the number into our chip checker and we'll show you which database currently holds the record.
1
Move the record to Pet Database
Register or transfer it online in a few minutes. No new chip or trip to the vet needed.
Transfer a microchip

What pet owners say about us

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|  688+ verified reviews  |  4.7 Excellent
I registered my dog
"I registered my dog, Tina, with Pet Database, it was so easy, I can log on anytime to update details, should I need to, but most importantly, when I scanned my dog tag, it came up with name and phone number, giving me the security of knowing, if my little dog, ever went missing and was found, they could contact me to go and collect her, GREAT PEACE OF MIND."
I'd Like to Thank Holly
"I'd Like to Thank Holly for her assistance in changing ownership so so quick I thought I'd be waiting a while but to have it done and complete is Amazing I can't recommend Pet Database enough there a must go site and fully understand everyone's needs"
I highly recommend Pet Database
"I highly recommend Pet Database Services. We registered our cat's microchip and details with them, and the whole experience was great. Their customer service has been excellent, and I'd like to give special thanks to Holly Thompson, who handled our recent enquiry quickly and professionally. She was incredibly responsive, helpful, and friendly throughout. "

Choosing a microchip database: FAQs

How many pet microchip databases are there in the UK?

There are 24 government-sanctioned pet microchip databases in the UK as of September 2026. GOV.UK keeps the current list. Whether you call it a pet chip database, a pet microchipping database or a chip registry, they all do the same job to the same legal standard: holding the record that links your pet's chip to your contact details. Where they differ is pricing, so it's worth checking what you'll pay to register, update your details and transfer your pet's record.

Can I move my pet's microchip record to another database?

Yes. You don't need to change your pet's actual microchip. You can move the record connected to it to another government-sanctioned database, including Pet Database. If you're not already a member, Pet Database Standard membership is a one-off £20 payment and includes updates for life.

How do I know which database my pet is registered with?

Check your pet's microchip certificate, vet records or adoption paperwork. Or, if you have their 15-digit microchip number, enter it into our free chip checker. We'll show you which compliant UK database holds the record.

Is there a separate chip database for dogs and cats?

No. The same UK databases hold records for dogs, cats and most other microchipped pets, and the 15-digit chip number works the same way for both. With Pet Database, one membership covers all your pets, whether that's a dog chip, a cat chip or both.

Do all UK microchip databases charge a subscription?

No. Different databases charge in different ways. Identi (formerly Identibase) and Petlog have annual paid plans. Pettrac doesn't charge a subscription but charges £6 when you change your address. Pet Database charges £20 once, with future updates included.

What's the best free microchip registration in the UK?

Some databases will register your pet's chip for nothing upfront, but it's worth checking what happens next: updating your details usually needs a paid plan or a per-change fee. Pet Database isn't free. Standard membership is a one-off £20 payment, and it's the only one you'll make: every future update is included. Over your pet's lifetime, that can end up costing less than registering free and paying to keep your details current.

Is Pet Database a government-sanctioned microchip database?

Yes. Pet Database is a government-sanctioned UK pet microchip database. Registering your cat or dog with us meets the legal database requirement in England.

Which pet database should I use?

Legally, any government-sanctioned database meets the requirement. For you, though, there can be a real difference. Fees, subscriptions, transfers and the cost of changing your contact details vary between databases. The important thing is that your pet is registered and that you can keep your details current. If they ever go missing, those details are what help a vet or rescue centre get in touch with you.

Register once. Keep every pet's details current for life.

Register or move my chip record