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Microchipping law for dogs and cats in the UK
Dogs must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old in England, Scotland and Wales (since 6 April 2016), and microchipping is a condition of a dog licence in Northern Ireland. Owned cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks old in England, since 10 June 2024. Cat microchipping is not yet compulsory in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
General information for the UK, checked on 2026-09-23. It is not legal or veterinary advice. For your own situation, speak to a solicitor, your local council or a vet.
The rules by nation
| Dogs | Cats | |
|---|---|---|
| England | By 8 weeks old | By 20 weeks old (since 10 June 2024) |
| Wales | By 8 weeks old | Not compulsory |
| Scotland | By 8 weeks old | Not compulsory |
| Northern Ireland | Required as a condition of the dog licence | Not compulsory |
What the law requires
- The microchip must be registered on a compliant database
- Breeders must microchip puppies (and in England, kittens) and register themselves as the first keeper before the animal goes to a new home
- You must keep your contact details up to date, including when you move or rehome the animal
Fines
If your pet is not microchipped or your details are not up to date, you can be served with a notice and usually have 21 days to put it right. If you do not, you can be fined up to £500.
Which cats are exempt?
In England the rule covers owned cats, including indoor cats. It does not cover free-living cats with little or no human dependency, such as farm, feral or community cats.
Horses and ponies
Horses, ponies and donkeys must also be microchipped and have a passport.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a legal requirement to microchip a cat?
In England, yes: owned cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks old, since 10 June 2024. It is not yet compulsory in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
At what age must a puppy be microchipped?
By eight weeks old in England, Scotland and Wales, and before it goes to a new home. The breeder must register themselves as the first keeper.
What is the fine for not microchipping a dog or cat?
You will usually be given 21 days to comply with a notice. If you do not, you can be fined up to £500.
Do I need to update my pet's microchip details when I move?
Yes. Keeping your contact details up to date on the database is a legal requirement.
Sources
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Blue Cross: Microchipping your dog or cat
- Cats Protection: compulsory microchipping of cats in England
Related guides
- Pet theft: the Pet Abduction Act 2024 explained
- Buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights
- Dogs: care, health, law and costs
- Cats: care, health, law and costs
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.