How do I update my contact details?
If you need to update your contact details such as address or phone number, please contact the relevant microchip company that your pet is registered with for further details on how to do this.
PetLog: 01296 336579
Anibase/Identibase: 01904 487459
Avid: 01273 408720
PETtrac: 01273 408722
If you are unsure which company your pet is microchipped with, you can call any company and give them your microchip number and they will be able to advise you further. Alternatively, you can check online via: www.check-a-chip.co.uk
Is there a fine or penalty if I don’t get my dog microchipped?
Yes. Under the regulations, your dog is considered microchipped when you implant the dog with a chip and register your details on an approved database.
If you do not get your dog microchipped or your details registered on an approved database, this will be considered as not complying with the regulations and a notice may be served. If the keeper does not microchip their dogs within 21 days of the served notice, then you will be liable to pay a fine of £500.
Is there a fine or penalty if I don’t keep my database details up-to-date?
Yes. If any keeper subsequently moves, changes contact telephone number, etc then the dog is no longer considered microchipped under the regulations and enforcement can be taken and a notice served. If the keeper does not get their details up to date within 21 days of the served notice, then you will be liable to pay a fine of £500.
How long has a person got to get a dog microchipped if they get one after April 2016?
From the 6th of April 2016, all dogs must be microchipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are eight weeks old.
For every dog that is currently not microchipped, you will have until 6th of April 2016 to get them microchipped and registered on an approved database.
If a keeper of a dog which is not microchipped gets served with a notice requiring them to have the dog chipped, they will have 21 days to do this.
Is compulsory microchipping now proof of ownership / keepership?
No, microchipping will not be proof of 'ownership'. The words 'owner' and 'ownership' have been replaced by the words 'keeper' and 'keepership' for this very reason.
Will compulsory microchipping mean legal 'Keeper / Ownership'?
The words 'legally responsible' are used if your dog strays, bites or causes any unjust damage. As the keeper of the dog you are 'liable' for the dog that is registered to you. Therefore, as the 'keeper' you will be held responsible if your dog has been found to commit such an act, however the 'keeper' will be protected from prosecution if their dog attacks a burglar or trespasser on their land.
At what age is a dog exempt?
There are no exemptions with regarding to age. A dog will be legally exempt from being microchipped only when a vet certifies that it cannot be.
This needs to done on a form approved by the Secretary of State.
What is the minimum age a puppy has to be before being chipped?
There is no minimum age specified in the regulations. The puppy only has to be microchipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are eight weeks old.
What is the purpose of a microchip database?
When a pet is microchipped, the unique microchip number, your contact details and any important information on the pet, needs to be held in a secure location and be accessible at any time by an Authorised Agent finding the pet.
