All About Puppy Microchipping

Your dog will always do their best to love and protect you, and you can do the same by having them microchipped. Microchipping dogs means that should they ever go missing, you are giving them the best chance of being found and safely returned to you as soon as possible – even if it is with a guilty look on their face and their tail between their legs!

There are many reasons your dog or puppy may go missing. They might get scared by another dog, a loud firework or rumble of thunder, or they may even become disoriented or distracted by a new environment – such as if you’re going on a new walk or have just moved house. If the worst happens and your dog gets lost, a microchip can help to ensure that they’re returned to you safe and sound.

Of course, you should still make sure that your dog’s wearing a collar with an ID tag with your contact details on, but sometimes these can get lost or removed. A dog or puppy microchip will always stay safely in place. If you’ve recently got a new puppy, you might be wondering about what to expect from puppy microchipping, keep reading to find out how much to microchip a dog and the current dog microchip laws.

What is a microchip?

A dog or puppy microchip is a tiny computer chip that’s about the size of a grain of rice that contains a unique code which corresponds with your pup’s details. The actual process of microchipping is relatively fast and simple and can help you reunite with your four-legged friend if they wander away from home. When your dog is found, a vet or animal shelter can scan the embedded microchip to find your details from the microchip database, then they’ll contact you to collect your pet.

How do microchips work?

When you make your appointment, your vet will talk you through the process of puppy microchipping. Then, once you’re happy to proceed, they will insert a tiny microchip – about the size of a large grain of rice – under your dog’s skin. The procedure only takes a matter of seconds and is relatively painless and the actual sensation is said to be similar to what we feel when we have our ears pierced. Once the dog microchip is in place, that’s it, your dog won’t even know it’s there!

The way microchips actually work is because of the unique 15-digit code, which is logged in a national database along with your details including your name, address and emergency telephone number.

What happens when your dog is found?

If your furry friend does wander off one day and is lucky enough to be found by a kind stranger, all they have to do is hand your dog in to a rescue shelter or veterinary practice where the warden or vet will use a scanning device to check if your dog is microchipped. The scan won’t cause any additional stress to your dog and is completely pain free.

How much to microchip a dog?

Puppy microchip costs will vary depending on when it’s done and who does it, but on average it will usually cost between £10 - £15 to have them microchipped by a vet or vet nurse. If you’re concerned about the cost of puppy microchipping, some charities such as Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and Battersea Dog & Cats Home, recognise that dog microchipping may be beyond the budget of some dog owners, so offer free microchipping. You may also find that your veterinary surgery runs occasional promotions, so it’s worth doing your research.

The current dog microchip law

As of April 2016, the current dog microchip law states that every dog owner in English and Scotland will have to microchip their dog or could face a hefty fine of up to £500. Puppies will need to be microchipped by the time they reach 8 weeks old and before they’re sold by the breeder. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure that your dog’s details are kept up to date if you move house or transfer ownership, as if these details are found to be outdated, you may still face a fine as the law might consider your dog to not be microchipped.

There are a few current exemptions to dog microchip laws, such as if your vet feels as though microchipping would have a negative affect on their health. If it’s an illness that’s likely to get better, your vet will issue an exemption certificate with an expiry date, and you’ll need to get your dog chipped before it runs out. If your dog has not shown any signs of getting better within this time frame, then they may issue an additional certificate. The other exemption is for working dogs that have had their tail docked, in these cases the microchipping time limit will be extended to 3 months. The rules and regulations may vary across different countries in MENA and are subject to change, so we recommend you keep up to date by consulting with your vet and checking government websites.
Want to find out more about your new puppy? Read all about what to expect on your puppy’s first visit to the vet.