Microchipping
Microchipping is a safe and permanent way of identifying your pet. A tiny implant, about the size of a grain of rice, is placed under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Each microchip has a unique number that can link your pet to your contact details on a DEFRA approved database. If your pet ever goes missing, this greatly increases the chances of being reunited.
Why microchipping matters
Collars and tags can fall off or be removed, but a microchip stays with your pet for life. It is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to keep your pet safe, and it is now a legal requirement for all dogs and cats in England. Our vets and nurses implant microchips quickly and gently, and the process takes only a few seconds.
When pets must be microchipped?
All dogs must be microchipped and registered with an approved database by eight weeks of age.
All cats must be microchipped and registered with an approved database by twenty weeks of age.
Pet owners who do not comply can face fines, and we are here to help make sure your pet is correctly chipped and registered.
More about microchipping
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After we implant the chip, we register your details with an approved database. If you:
Move house
Change your phone number
Change your email address
You will need to update the information directly with the database company to ensure the details stay correct.
This is essential for successful reunions should your pet ever get lost or go missing.
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Microchipping is very safe. Most pets tolerate the procedure well, and we can microchip your kitten or puppy during their vaccination course, or at any routine appointment.
We use especially small microchips that are much less painful to place under the skin. Many kitten owners also choose to microchip their pets while under anaesthetic for neutering.
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Microchipping fees can be found on our pricing page. Microchipping is one of the many routine care services which is free of charge with the PetPeople Health Plan.
Frequently asked questions about microchipping
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The procedure is quick, and similar to having an injection. Most pets barely react, and we often distract them with treats.
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The chip stays under the skin and is designed not to migrate far from the implantation site.
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Yes. Under UK law, dogs must wear both a collar and a tag with the owner’s name and address on it, whenever in public. The microchip provides permanent identification if a collar becomes lost.
For cats, we recommend the use of a safety-release collar if going outside.
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You will need to update the database directly. We can help you find your pet’s microchip number if needed, and let you know which database it is registered with. However, we cannot change your details for you.
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Microchips are not the same thing as GPS trackers, and cannot be used to track your pet’s location. If your pet is brought to a vet clinic, shelter, or other animal care professional, they will be able to scan them for a microchip.
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Yes, we can scan your pet at any appointment, or you can ask our Customer Care team to scan your pet for a microchip in our reception.
If you need to book a microchipping appointment, or confirm your pet’s registration details, our team will be very happy to help.