Dog owners: Compulsory dog microchipping came into force on 6 April 2016.
Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, from 6 April 2016 all dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £500.
Certified working dogs are exempt as are dogs with a vet's certificate to say they are too ill to be microchipped. Working dogs are those that have a vet's certificate and are used for law enforcement, the armed forces, emergency rescue, lawful pest control or the lawful shooting of animals. Racing greyhounds are not classed as working dogs for this legislation and must have a microchip.
If you sell or give away your dog after 6 April 2016 it must be microchipped and the new owner must update the information on the microchip database (unless you have already done this).
People cannot microchip their own dog. No person may implant a microchip in a dog unless:
- they are a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse
- they have been satisfactorily assessed on a training course approved by the Secretary of State
- they received training on implantation which included practical experience of implanting a microchip before the 24th February 2016
More information is available from GOV.UK >>