Things you need to know about microchipping in the UK

1. At the moment, it is only required that all dogs wear a collar and have an ID tag.
2. Compulsory microchipping of dogs comes into effect on April 6th this year. In February 2015, the Government laid out its plans to have all dogs in the UK microchipped by April 6th in its Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015. This covered Wales, England and Scotland.
3. It will be compulsory for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks to be microchipped.
4. Owners may face a £500 fine if their dog is found not to have a microchip. This is after the Owner being served with a notice requiring the dog to be chipped.
5. Dogs Trust are offering free microchipping by appointment at their rehoming centres and at events across the UK. Information on locations and times can be found at www.chipmydog.org.uk.
6. For those concerned about pain, the procedure does not hurt the dog. It is comparable to a normal vaccination. The microchip is about the same size as a grain of rice and it is inserted under the skin around the dog’s neck.

It is also really important that you make sure that your details are all correct. If your dog gets loose and a dog warden picks him up, if your details are incorrect it makes it harder for him to be returned to you.