Transfer a microchip to a new keeper
Bought, adopted, or rehomed a pet? Their microchip might still point to someone else. Transferring it into your name takes minutes and makes sure a found pet leads back to you. Pet Database is a DEFRA-compliant microchip database, one of 24 government-sanctioned services helping reunite lost pets with their owners.
What is a keeper transfer?
A keeper transfer updates the contact details registered to a pet's microchip so they point to you. The chip number never changes; what changes is the record behind it. The "keeper" is whoever looks after the pet day to day, and it's their details that matter when a lost pet is found.
Here's where it catches people out: when you take on a pet, the chip often stays registered to the breeder, rescue, or previous owner until someone updates it. Until you transfer it, a found pet leads back to them, not you.
When a lost pet is found and scanned, the details decide what happens next. If they still point to a previous keeper, the call goes to the wrong person, or no one at all, and a pet that's metres from home can't be returned. An update of the keeper's details turns that scan into a phone call to you.
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How to transfer a microchip
Transferring a chip is quick. You don't need to involve a vet, and you don't need to re-chip the pet. You just need the microchip number and a few details about the pet.
Step 1
Find the chip number
It's on the pet's paperwork, or check it free with our chip checker.
Step 2
Start the transfer
Enter the chip number and confirm you're the new keeper.
Step 3
Add your details
Add your name, address, and contact number so the record points to you.
Step 4
Confirm and you're done
Your details go live on a DEFRA-compliant database straight away.
If the chip is registered on another database, that's fine. Because all DEFRA-compliant databases are linked, you can bring the record to Pet Database without re-chipping or contacting the old provider first. If the previous keeper's details are still attached, we'll guide you through confirming the change so the record updates cleanly. Most transfers take under five minutes.
Transfer once, manage it for life
When you transfer a chip to Pet Database, you can keep your details current whenever life changes, moving house, switching phones, or rehoming, without paying again each time.
One payment, unlimited updates for life. Update or transfer your details as often as you need, with no repeat fees
Works with any microchip. No need to re-chip, just move the record across to us
DEFRA-compliant database. One of the UK's government-approved microchip databases.
Your data, your choice. No forced subscriptions and no hidden fees, ever
Extra protection when it matters. Smart Tags and lost pet support help you act fast if your pet goes missing.
FAQ
Yes. The microchip number stays exactly the same. All you're changing is the registered keeper's details, so they point to you instead. There's no need to re-chip your pet or visit a vet.
Some databases charge a fee to transfer or update. Pet Database works on one payment with unlimited updates for life, so you can keep your details current without paying again each time.
That's the most common situation when you take on a pet. You can transfer the record into your name without contacting the previous keeper first, and we'll guide you through confirming the change.
Yes. Because all DEFRA-compliant databases are linked, you can move the record to Pet Database without re-chipping or going back to the original provider.
No, that's just an update, not a transfer. You change your address on the existing record. A transfer is only needed when the registered keeper changes.
Yes. For dogs, keeping your registered keeper details accurate is a legal requirement, and failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £500. Cats must also be microchipped and registered, with the same expectation to keep details current.
Enter the chip number into our free chip checker. It will show whether the chip is registered and which database holds the record, so you know if a transfer is needed.
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More on transfers and changing details
Taking on a pet, or sorting out a chip that points to the wrong person? These guides walk you through it.