2024 - New Microchip Regulations
Since 10th June 2024, in England, a new law relating to cats requires that all pet cats are microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks of age.
Microchipping is a quick and easy way of permanently identifying an animal to maximise the chances of the owner being traced should it stray and be picked up by rescue /welfare organisations or taken to a vet if injured or ill.
The microchip is injected under the skin by a veterinary surgeon or specifically trained individual.
In addition to having cats microchipped you must register your contact details on a DEFRA compliant database and ensure these details are kept up to date.
If you have missed the deadline of 10th June and have made no effort to have your cat microchipped, you may face a fine of up to £500. Failure to keep your details up to date on a DEFRA compliant database could also incur a fine of up to £500.
This law follows on from the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015, that came into force in March 2016, which requires all dogs to be microchipped by 8 weeks of age and registered correctly on a DEFRA compliant database.
You could be fined up to £500 if your cat or dog is registered on a database that does not appear on the list below.
These regulations apply to indoor cats too, not just cats that go outside. Microchipping gives a cat the best chance of being reunited should it get out by mistake, and /or stray or get stolen, particularly if they get out and find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.
DEFRA Compliant Databases are below :-
· AnimalData
· Animal Microchips
· Animal Tracker
· Chipworks
· HomeAgain
· Identibase
· Lost Paws
· MicroChip Central
· MicroDogID (racing greyhounds only)
· My Animal Trace
· MyPet
· National Veterinary Data Service
· Pet Chip Register
· Pet Database
· Pet Identity UK
· Petlog
· PetScanner
· ProtectedPet
· SmartTrace
· Track Your Paws
· UK PETtrac MicroChip Database
· We Trace Pets
August 2024
