UK Pet Identification Laws

Legal Requirements

Since April 2016, all dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. This applies to all dogs regardless of breed, size, or where they are kept.

The microchip must be implanted by a trained professional (usually a vet or registered implanter) and registered on a compliant database within 21 days. Dog owners who fail to comply can receive a notice requiring them to microchip their dog within 21 days, after which they can be fined up to £500.

What the Law Covers

• Your dog must be microchipped before it's 8 weeks old
• The microchip must be registered on an approved database
• Your contact details must be kept up to date
• You must provide your microchip number if asked by authorities
• New owners must update the registration within 21 days of transfer

What Cat Owners Need to Know

The cat microchipping law mirrors the dog requirements but with a slightly later age requirement (20 weeks vs 8 weeks). All cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age, with owner details registered on an approved database.

• Cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks of age
• Must be registered on a compliant database
• Contact details must be kept current
• Applies to both indoor and outdoor cats
• Owners have 21 days to comply after a notice, then face fines up to £500

Why the New Cat Law?

The government introduced mandatory cat microchipping to help reunite lost cats with their owners and improve animal welfare. Unlike dogs, cats often roam further from home and are more likely to be taken in as strays. Microchipping dramatically increases the chances of reunion — stray cats with microchips are more than 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners.

When Tags Must Be Worn

Your dog must wear an ID tag whenever they are in a "public place" — this includes streets, parks, beaches, shops that allow dogs, and public transport. The tag is not required in your own home or garden, but must be worn as soon as your dog leaves your property.

What About Cats?

There is currently no legal requirement for cats to wear collar tags in the UK. However, many cat owners choose to use collars with tags or "I am microchipped" tags as an extra layer of identification, particularly for outdoor cats.

Approved Databases in the UK

Your pet's microchip must be registered on a database that complies with UK legislation. The main approved databases include:

When your pet is microchipped, the implanter should register them on a database for you, or provide you with paperwork to complete the registration yourself. Always check your details are correctly recorded.

Keeping Details Up to Date

It's your legal responsibility to ensure your contact details on the database remain current. Update your details if you:

• Move house
• Change phone number
• Change email address
• Transfer ownership of your pet

Most databases allow you to update your details online. Some charge a small fee for changes (typically £5–£10), while others like PETtrac offer free updates for life.