Face Fines if your Pet isn’t Microchipped from TODAY:

Microchipping technology isn’t actually something new and exciting, despite it being a predominant news story over the past few months. It’s been around for about 25 years, however it hasn’t previously been a necessity in England, Wales, or Scotland. 

We’ve all been hearing stories about the new microchip law for months now, but what does it mean for us and our pets, and why is it now a legal requirement?

According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, more than 1 million dogs have yet to be microchipped, despite the new law making it compulsory. It will not replace current requirements for dog’s to wear collars with their owners name and address, however will limit risks of your pet being unidentifiable.

Is there an age requirement?

Your dog must be microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old; if your local authority discover that you aren’t complying with this new regulation, you will have up to 21 days to fit one or risk being fined a maximum of £500.

 How is the microchip inserted?

The tiny chip is inserted in your pet’s neck and contains a unique code that helps your dog to be identified should they get lost on a regular walk, or unfortunately stolen. Any local authority, animal shelter, or vet can scan the chip and connect you to your pet instantly from details stored on a database.

 Where can I get my dog chipped?

We’ve seen over on Twitter that Dogs Trust are offering a free microchipping service which is fantastic news. Some vets and local councils will also be chipping dogs with no cost attached, but it’s best to check depending on your location.

 How do I know if my new pet is microchipped?

If you’re considering buying a new dog or puppy, you should ask for proof that the chip has been fitted prior to getting your new pet. The seller should have some paperwork to state that the dog has been microchipped to put your mind at ease.

Compulsory microchipping is already prevalent in countries including Northern Ireland, who have seen a steady decrease in the number of stray, lost & abandoned dogs. If you have yet to microchip your dog, be sure to make this a priority. We’ll be happy to answer any questions over on our Twitter, or Facebook pages. Alternatively, contact your pet insurance provider, who will provide answers to any further queries or questions that you may have.