Compulsory microchipping

Labrador sat on vet table

Microchipping is a simple, safe and quick procedure which makes reuniting dogs with their owners much more likely. A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and the procedure, which is carried out by a vet or trained microchip implanter, takes only a few minutes and lasts a lifetime.

Find out more about microchipping.

National Microchipping Month

National Microchipping Month takes place in June. Run by us and Petlog it aims to raise awareness of the importance of keeping the details attached to your dog’s microchip correct and up to date. Find out more about this campaign on the National Microchipping Month page.
Key statistics
  • Microchipping for dogs was made compulsory in England, Scotland and Wales in April 2016. In Northern Ireland it has been compulsory since January 2015
  • Petlog, managed by The Kennel Club, is one of the largest databases for microchipped animals in the UK
  • Petlog currently has over 10 million animals registered
  • Petlog is on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to animal wardens, welfare and rescue centres, veterinary practices and local authorities, who scan for microchips in pets which come into their care and trace the owners through the Petlog database
The Kennel Club's view

We promote the importance of keeping details up to date on microchipping databases to all as this is a legal requirement. This ensures that if a pet does go missing it can be easily reunited, saving stress for both keepers and animals alike.

To help make this easier for its customers, we offer an upgrade service Petlog Premium for a one-off lifetime fee. Through its secure online website, customers can access their information, check and amend their contact details and take advantage of other reunification services offered through the Petlog Premium membership.

Through our activities, and The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme in particular, we seek to educate all dog owners about the benefits of responsible dog ownership, including microchipping.

Permanent identification has been a requirement of The Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme since 2010.

The Kennel Club's recommendations to Government

Following the introduction of compulsory microchipping in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, our work in this area concluded. However, we may look to resume lobbying activity in due course so watch this space.

Learn more about Petlog

Visit the Petlog website and discover more about our microchipping service.