Dog owners who move house without updating their pet's microchip details could be hit with a fine of up to £500, under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) 2015 Regulation. The law, introduced under the previous Conservative Party administration, requires all dogs to be microchipped by the time they reach eight weeks old. It also mandates that the contact details linked to the microchip must be kept up to date at all times.
Failure to comply with either requirement can result in a fine of up to £500. The microchip must be fitted by a trained professional, such as a local vet. Each microchip carries a unique number that appears when the dog is scanned, and the owner's address and current telephone number are stored on a database alongside that number. This system is designed to ensure that a lost or stolen dog can be returned to its owner.
What the RSPCA says about microchipping rules
Guidance from the RSPCA states: “If your dog isn’t microchipped and registered on an approved database, you could be served with a notice ordering you to microchip your dog. You’ll have 21 days to do so or you may be liable to pay a £500 fine and could face criminal prosecution. If your contact details change and you don’t update them on the database, then you could also receive a notice and may be liable to pay a fine of £500.”
The notice period gives owners a 21-day window to correct the issue before any penalty is applied. The RSPCA’s warning applies both to dogs that have never been microchipped and to those whose microchip records are no longer accurate.
Local council warnings and database charges
Wigan Council, in the north of England, warns: “You’re responsible for keeping your dog’s microchip information up to date. To make changes to your microchip, for example if you move to a new house or change your telephone number, you will have to contact the database company your dog is registered with. Please note that you might be charged for updating your dog’s microchip information.”
This means that even after a move, owners must proactively contact the database company to update their address and phone number. Some database companies may levy a fee for this service, according to the council's guidance.
Why up-to-date microchips matter
Pet Database adds: “Failing to microchip your pet can lead to significant challenges if they ever wander off or get lost. Without that tiny chip, the chances of a successful reunion drastically decrease, impacting pet recovery rates. You might assume your pet will find their way home, but the reality is that many lost animals are never reunited with their owners due to the inability to identify them.”
“Moreover, non-compliance with microchipping laws can result in consequences that go beyond just the heartache of losing a pet. Local enforcement actions may lead to fines of up to £500 or other penalties, which can strain your finances and add stress to an already difficult situation. It is crucial to keep your pet's microchip details up-to-date in a recognized database. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to £500 and jeopardize your dog's chances of being reunited with you.”
Pet Database also emphasises the owner's responsibility: “It's essential to understand that as a pet owner, you have responsibilities to guarantee their safety, and microchipping is an important part of that. The microchip registration process is straightforward, yet many neglect it. By taking this fundamental step, you not only protect your pet but also fulfill your obligations as a responsible owner. Ignoring these laws can have lasting repercussions, making microchipping not just a legal requirement, but a necessary safeguard for your beloved companion.”
The practical impact is clear: any dog owner who moves house or changes telephone number must update the microchip database promptly, or risk a £500 fine and potential criminal prosecution. With the 21-day notice period, owners have a limited window to rectify any oversight before penalties apply.
