From the 6th of April 2016 it will become a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped in England.
What does this mean for dog owners?
From this date all dogs must be microchipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old.
If your dog isn't microchipped, you will have until the 6th of April to get them microchipped and registered on an approved database.
What happens if my dog isn't microchipped by the 6th April?
Owners of dogs over 8 weeks of age, without a registered microchip will be seen as non-compliant with the new regulations. They will be served with a notice and given 21 days to get their dog microchipped and registered with an approved database; Failure to comply could result in a fine of £500.
When can my Dog/Puppy be microchipped?
There is no minimum age specified in the new regulations but all puppies should be microchipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old (this may be done with the breeders or new owners).
Who is responsible for microchipping puppies?
To comply with the changes to the law, breeders will need to be the first registered keeper of all puppies.
The breeder is responsible for getting the microchip implanted and registered with an approved database before the puppy reaches 8 weeks of age.
The breeder will be legally obligated to provide the new owners with details of the microchip and advise them how to update the details with the microchip database.
I'm worried about Microchipping my small puppy
Modern microchips are smaller than a grain of rice, here at Brentknoll we use the latest Tracer microchips which are suitable for even very small puppies. The decision to exempt your dog from being microchipped will be the veterinary surgeon’s decision and will be at their discretion.
Who will be enforcing the new regulations?
The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 will be enforced by local authorities, police constables, community support officers and any other person which the Secretary of State may authorise to act as an enforcer of the regulations.
Here a Brentknoll Veterinary Centre, we will be offering 'microchip checks' to ensure existing microchips are working and provide dog owners with their microchip number. This will allow owners to check their details are up to date and make amendments where necessary.
We aim to educate dog owners about the changes to allow them to comply with the new regulations, we will not be forcing owners to microchip their pets against their will. Compliance with the regulation is the responsibility of the dog owner.
My dog is microchipped but the details are wrong, does this comply?
No, in order to comply with the legislation, the microchip details on the database must be correct. Owners with out of date information could still be served with a 21 day notice and be liable to pay a fine of £500 if they do not update their microchip information.
How do I change my dog's Microchip information?
You will need your pet's microchip number, this will be on your microchip certificate or we can find this for you by scanning your pet. You can check which database your pet's chip is registered to by visiting the Petlog website or ask your vet to check (there may be a small fee to transfer keepership or to update your details).
If you are concerned about the new changes or wish to know more, call to speak to a member of staff on 01905 355938.
Brentknoll Vets can help you understand Compulsory microchipping of dogs this April 2016
