Register a Pet FAQs

A. A microchip is the most effective way to reunite lost pets with their owners. All owners are responsible for ensuring microchipped pets are registered on a database and their details kept up to date. This is the only way to reunite you with your pet should it stray. Since April 2016 it has been the law to ensure all dogs are microchipped by the time they are 8 weeks old, and registered on a DEFRA compliant database in the breeders name first. Failure to do this can result in a fine of up to £500 per dog. You can register your pet's microchip online. Online registrations are completed in real time.

A. If your pet has not been registered on the Microchip Central database, and the microchip was not supplied by us, you will need to pay £15.00 + VAT to upgrade your account before you can add the pet.

If the microchip was supplied by Microchip Central, the first registration will be free. The implanter can either register the microchip or release it for self-registration. Note: all puppies must first be registered to the breeder by law. Failure to comply can result in a £500 fine per pet.

If the pet is already registered on the database then you will be charged a £15.00 + VAT transfer fee. This will include 12 months' Premium Protection.

A. If you do not know your pet's microchip number, you can take the pet to your local vet, rescue centre or dog warden and ask them to scan the microchip. This will confirm the microchip number inserted in your pet. UK and European microchips are usually 15 digits and will often be listed under a barcode on your pet's paperwork. You may find it in the following places:

• Microchip certificate provided by the microchip database
• Pet passport
• Pet insurance documentation
• Your pet's veterinary records

If you are trying to register a microchip that is not 15 digits, please complete the contact us form.

A. When we supply microchips, we lock the microchip numbers to the implanter's account to avoid others accidently registering the wrong number. Microchip numbers are 15 digits so it is easy for people to make mistakes.

If your microchip number is locked to the implanter's account, you will receive an error message if you try to register it. You will need to contact the implanter and ask them to register the microchip, or release if for self-registration from within their account. Note: all puppies must first be registered to the breeder or the breeder can face a £500 fine.

If you are unable to contact the breeder or implanter, please complete the contact us form so we can assist you further.

A. It has been the law since April 2016 that all puppies must be microchipped by the time they are 8 weeks old and registered to the breeder on a DEFRA compliant microchip database. Puppies cannot be microchipped and registered straight to the new keeper. Failure to do this can result in a fine of up to £500 per dog. Find out more about microchipping legislation here.

A. If your pet has had an additional microchip implanted because the original microchip could not be detected, please complete the contact us form. Include the original microchip number and additional microchip number so we can add this to the pet's profile.

We keep a record of both microchips to safeguard the pet if the original microchip is able to be read in the future.

A. You can add multiple pets to a single account. You will need Premium Protection to add additional pets. If your additional pets are registered on a different microchip database, please contact the other database and ensure their details are removed so the pet is not dual registered.

Adding all your pets to one account is great for consolidating your pet registrations, minimising potential fees and saving you time in the future i.e. to update details.

If you are a microchip implanter and trying to add more pets to an existing client's account, you will need their user ID or postcode and their email address to add more pets.

A. If the incorrect microchip number has been registered for your pet, please complete the contact us form and a member of the team will be able to swap or update a microchip number.

A. You can check if a microchip has been registered by typing the number in the search box on the homepage. The result will tell you if the microchip number is registered on a DEFRA database, which database it is registered on, and if registered on Microchip Central, the contact details of the pet owner if they have consented.

If you are an implanter with a Microchip Central account, you can also find more details on microchips you have registered using the 'Search Microchips' tab within your account.

A. We do not send paper copies of the microchip certificate in the post when an online registration has been carried out. You can download a copy of your pet's microchip certificate from within your account. Click the 'Download Certificate' button next to the pet's profile.

A. Legislation introduced in April 2016, states that it is compulsory all for owners to ensure their dog is microchipped by 8 weeks of age and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a DEFRA compliant, pet microchipping database. If they do not, they could face a fine of up to £500.

The Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023

A. New legislation in 2023 states that cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a DEFRA compliant, pet microchipping database. All owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024 and owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted or they could face a fine of up to £500.

The Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023