Dog microchipping: Everything you need to know
Microchipping your dog is a legal requirement. Making sure it actually works is something most owners overlook. Pet Database is a DEFRA-compliant microchip database, one of 24 government-sanctioned services helping reunite lost dogs with their owners quickly and safely.
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Around 95% of UK dogs are microchipped, following long-standing legal requirements
Over a million dogs have been reunited with their owners through microchipping
Thousands of dogs go missing every year and rely on microchips to get home safely
Up to 70% of microchip records have missing or outdated details, making owners harder to contact
How to get your dog microchipped
Most dogs are microchipped early, often before they leave the breeder or rescue centre. The process itself is quick and routine, but what matters is making sure everything is set up properly afterwards.
Step 1
Visit a vet or clinic
A trained professional carries out the procedure safely.
Step 2
Microchip is implanted
The chip is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades.
Step 3
Chip is scanned
Checked immediately to make sure it can be read.
Step 4
Register your details
Add your dog to our database. Updated details = safe pet.
In many cases, the chip is registered by the breeder or previous owner. That doesn't always mean the details are correct or linked to you.
If the information hasn't been updated, the chip may still work perfectly, but it won't lead back to you if your dog is found.
Taking a moment to check and register your details properly is what turns a microchip into something that actually helps your dog get home.
Microchipping a dog in the UK typically costs between £10 and £30. Some breeders include it before sale, and some charities offer it at a reduced cost.
Already microchipped?
Make sure it leads back to you.
Your dog may already be microchipped, especially if they came from a breeder or rescue. But that doesn't always mean your details are correctly linked. A microchip only works if the information behind it is accurate and connected to you.
Why Pet Database?
One payment, unlimited updates for life. Keep your information current with no ongoing fees or repeat payments.
Works with any microchip, no hassle. No need to re-chip your dog, just update the details linked to it.
Extra protection when it matters. Smart Tags and alerts help you get notified quickly if your dog is found.
More ways to get them home. Lost pet support to help you act quickly if your dog goes missing.
DEFRA-compliant database. One of the UK’s government-approved microchip databases.
We're more than a database
A microchip without up-to-date details is little more than a number. The moment a dog goes missing, everything depends on what's behind it: who's registered, how to reach them, and how fast. These are the stories that show why it matters.
Why it matters (if your dog goes missing)
Dogs tend to go missing in very different ways. It might be during a walk, a slipped lead, or a moment where they get startled and run.
When that happens, they're often found quickly by someone nearby and taken to a vet, rescue centre, or local authority to be scanned.
That's where the microchip comes in. If your details are correct, you get a call and can collect your dog. If they're not, the process becomes slower and more uncertain, even if your dog is already safe.
As the chosen microchip database of DogLost, one of the UK's most effective pet reunification platforms, your details can be used by a network of volunteers, wardens, vets and rescues working to get your dog home.
FAQ
Yes. In England, all dogs must be microchipped and registered by the time they are 8 weeks old. This law applies across the UK, with similar requirements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If your dog is not microchipped, or your details are not kept up to date, you could face a fine of up to £500.
Yes. In the UK, dogs must wear a collar and ID tag when in public, even if they are microchipped. The tag allows someone to contact you immediately, whilst the microchip acts as a secure backup if the collar is lost or removed.
Microchipping a dog in the UK typically costs between £10 and £30. Some breeders include it before sale, and some charities offer it at a reduced cost. Registering your details on a database may involve a one-off fee, but keeping your information up to date is what makes the microchip effective.
Microchipping is similar to a routine injection. The chip is inserted under the skin using a needle, and most dogs react very little. The procedure takes a few seconds and does not require anaesthetic. Any discomfort is brief, and your dog can return to normal activities straight away.
A microchip is designed to last for the lifetime of your dog. It does not require a battery and does not wear out over time. Once implanted, it should remain functional for life, provided it can be detected by a scanner.
If your details are out of date, you may not be contacted if your dog is found. The chip itself may work perfectly, but without correct information, it won't lead back to you. Keeping your details current on a DEFRA-compliant database is what makes the microchip effective.
You'll need to transfer the microchip into your name. This usually involves contacting the database provider and updating the ownership details.
Microchips are designed to stay in place and rarely fail. In some cases, a chip may move slightly under the skin, but it can still be detected with a scanner. Removal is uncommon and usually only done for medical reasons.
You can check your dog's microchip by entering the number into a lookup tool. This will show whether it's registered and which database holds the details.
More dog microchipping resources
Learn more about dog microchipping with our collection of helpful resources, covering everything from registration to what happens when your dog is found.
A quick guide to UK pet microchipping laws
Why puppies must be microchipped before adoption
What to do after microchipping your puppy
Choosing a microchip for your puppy
How microchips help keep pets safe
How shelters and microchips work together
Why microchipping is vital for pet recovery
Checking your dog's microchip over time