Register your pet's microchip
A microchip only works if it is registered to you.
Implanting the chip is step one; adding your details to a database is what actually gets a lost pet home.
Pet Database is a DEFRA-compliant microchip database, one of 24 government-sanctioned services helping reunite lost pets with their owners.
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What is microchip registration?
Microchip registration is the step that links a chip number to you. The microchip itself only holds a unique 15-digit number. Registration is what connects that number to your name, address, and phone number on a database.
This is the part people miss. A vet or breeder implants the chip, but unless someone registers the details, the number leads nowhere. The chip can be scanned perfectly and still not bring your pet home. Think of it in two halves: the chip is the hardware, the registration is the information. You need both for a microchip to do its job.
If you own a dog or cat in the UK, the answer is you. Dogs must be microchipped and registered by 8 weeks old, and cats by 20 weeks, on a DEFRA-compliant database. Failing to keep a dog's details registered and up to date can mean a fine of up to £500. These requirements apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It also applies whenever you take on a pet. If you've bought a puppy, adopted a rescue, or been given a pet, the chip may be registered to someone else, or not registered at all. Registering it to you is what makes it yours on the record. Even if your pet rarely leaves the house, registration matters. The one time they slip out is exactly when a correctly registered chip earns its keep.
An unregistered chip is just a number under the skin. When a lost pet is scanned, the number comes up, but there is nothing to connect it to you.
The finder, veterinary practice, or rescue centre hits a dead end. Your pet might be metres from home and still not be returned, simply because the details were never added.
Registration is the quick, simple step that turns a chip from a number into a way home.
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How to register your pet's microchip
Registering with Pet Database is quick, and you don't need a vet to do it. You just need your pet's 15-digit microchip number and a few details.
Step 1
Find the chip number.
It's on the pet's paperwork, or check it free with our chip checker.
Step 2
Create your account.
Add yourself as the registered keeper.
Step 3
Add your pet and details.
Enter the chip number and your contact details.
Step 4
Confirm and you're registered.
Your details go live on a DEFRA-compliant database straight away.
There is one payment and no subscription. After that, you can update your details as often as you like, for free, for the life of your pet. Moving house, a new phone, or taking on another pet: all covered. If your pet's chip is already registered elsewhere, you can still bring the record to us, with no need to re-chip, and we'll help move it across.
Why register with Pet Database?
Any DEFRA-compliant database keeps you legal. What sets Pet Database apart is how easy and fair it is to stay protected over your pet's whole life.
One payment, unlimited updates for life. No repeat fees and no subscription, ever.
Works with any microchip. Register any UK chip brand, with no need to re-chip.
DEFRA-compliant database. One of the UK's government-approved microchip databases.
Your data, your choice. Transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Extra protection when it matters. Smart Tags and lost pet support help you act fast if your pet goes missing.
FAQ
No. Having your pet microchipped, and registering the microchip, are two separate steps. A vet or breeder may implant the chip, but unless your details are added to a database, the chip leads nowhere.
Find the 15-digit chip number, create an account, and add your pet and contact details. On a DEFRA-compliant database your details go live straight away.
For dogs, yes. Dogs must be microchipped and registered by 8 weeks old, and the details kept up to date, or you could face a fine of up to £500. Cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks.
Pet Database charges a single registration fee with no subscription. After that, updates are free for the life of your pet.
Yes. As the keeper you can register any UK chip to yourself, regardless who implanted it and whichever brand it is.
Registering means adding your pet and details for the first time. Updating changes details you have already registered, such as a new address or phone number.
Your details are searchable by vets, rescues, and local authorities the moment a chip is scanned. You can log in to update them any time, for free.
Enter the chip number into our free chip checker. It shows whether the chip is registered and which database holds the record.
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More on microchip registration
New to registration, or just want to get it right? These guides cover the essentials.