Cat Microchipping in London

From 10 June 2024, all owned cats in England must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time they reach 20 weeks of age. This applies to all cats regardless of whether they go outdoors or are kept entirely indoors. If your cat is found without a microchip, you will be given 21 days to comply, after which you could face a fine of up to £500.

The law currently applies to England only. Scotland and Wales have not yet introduced equivalent legislation, though Scotland's Animal Welfare Commission has recommended mandatory cat microchipping and legislation may follow in future.

Yes. The June 2024 legislation applies to all owned cats in England, including those kept entirely indoors. Many indoor cat owners assume the law does not apply to them, but this is not the case. Indoor cats can escape unexpectedly and without a microchip there is no reliable way to reunite them with their owner if found.

Cat microchipping in London typically costs between £20 and £50 at a vet clinic. Some practices include microchipping as part of a kitten health package or alongside neutering, which can make it more cost-effective. Mobile microchipping services that come to your home are also available across London at similar prices. Some London charities and rescue organisations offer free or subsidised microchipping, so it is worth contacting your local rescue centre or council if cost is a concern.

Any registered vet or trained implanter can microchip your cat. The London Cat Clinic is a specialist feline vet practice in London offering microchipping alongside a full range of cat-specific health services. Use our providers directory to find microchipping services in your specific London borough, including mobile services that come directly to your home.

The procedure takes less than a minute and causes no more discomfort than a standard vaccination. A trained vet or implanter uses a sterile needle to inject a tiny microchip (roughly the size of a grain of rice) under your cat's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. No anaesthetic is required. Many owners choose to have their cat microchipped at the same time as neutering, when the cat is already under anaesthetic, which means they feel nothing at all.

After the procedure you will receive a certificate with your cat's unique microchip number and the database it has been registered on. Keep this certificate somewhere safe.

Once your cat is microchipped it is your legal responsibility to keep your contact details current on the database. You must update your details if you move house, change your phone number, or transfer ownership of your cat. Most databases allow free online updates. If you are unsure which database your cat is registered on, use the free Check-a-chip service at check-a-chip.co.uk with your cat's 15-digit microchip number.