Pet Microchipping

Microchipping is now a legal requirement for dogs and cats in the UK.

At Nova Vets, we offer quick and affordable microchipping for dogs and cats.

Giving your pet their own unique, permanent form of identification, microchipping only takes a few minutes but could save you days, weeks, or even months of heartache should your pet ever go missing.

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dog with collar showing microchip identity

What is a pet microchip?

A pet microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that’s inserted under your pet’s skin—usually between the shoulder blades. Each pet microchip contains a unique identification number, which is then registered on a national database along with your contact details.

If your pet is ever lost or brought to a vet, rescue centre, or local authority, a handheld scanner can detect the chip and display the number, so you can be contacted quickly.

The microchip itself does not track your pet or store medical records, but it’s a reliable way to link your pet back to you, no matter where they’re found, helping them to find their way home should they ever go missing.

Our pet microchipping services

We offer professional pet microchipping appointments carried out by our experienced veterinary staff. Whether you’re microchipping a new puppy, kitten, rescue pet, or older animal, we make the process as smooth as possible.

Dog microchipping

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped by 8 weeks of age. If your dog isn’t chipped, or if your contact details aren’t up to date, you could face a fine of up to £500.

Microchipping your dog means that if they ever get lost or picked up without a collar, they can be scanned and safely returned to you. It’s quick, permanent, and gives you peace of mind that your dog always has a way home.

Cat microchipping

As of June 2024, microchipping cats became a legal requirement for all cats in England. Cats must now be microchipped by the time they’re 20 weeks old. As naturally curious and independent animals, cat microchipping is an important way of keeping your cat safe while exploring, and even indoor cats can slip out unexpectedly.

A microchip is the best way to protect your cat if they become lost or injured, especially since many cats don’t wear collars. It’s a one-time procedure that could make all the difference.

What happens in a pet microchipping appointment?

A microchipping appointment is quick and simple. Your pet will be gently held before the chip is inserted under the skin using a small, sterile needle, similar to a vaccination.

The procedure is so quick, no anaesthetic is needed, and most pets don’t react. Once in place, we’ll register your details on a government-approved microchip database. It’s vital that you keep your contact details up to date, so we’ll explain how to manage your account in case you move or change numbers in the future.

The entire appointment usually takes less than 15 minutes, and your pet can go straight home afterwards.

How much does it cost to get your pet microchipped at Nova Vets?

For details on pricing for a microchip at Nova Vets, please visit our pricing page.

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Answers to our pet microchip FAQs

Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to protect your pet.

It’s normal to have questions, especially if it’s your first time. Below, we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions about microchips, how they work, and what to expect. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our team, we’re always happy to help.

What details go into a pet's microchip?

The microchip itself just contains your pet’s unique identification number. This number is linked to a secure database that stores all of your contact details, including:

Your name
Address
Phone number(s)
Email address (if provided)
Your pet’s name, species, breed, sex, and age

None of this personal information is stored on the chip—it’s safely held on the database the chip is registered to.

How do I check to see if my pet already has a microchip?

We can easily check whether your pet has a microchip using a handheld scanner.

If you’ve adopted your pet or aren’t sure about their microchip status, book an appointment or ask our team to scan them at their next routine appointment. Once scanned, we can also help you confirm which database the chip is registered with and whether your contact details are up to date.

How do I change my pet's microchip details?

It’s essential to keep your contact information up to date in the microchip database—especially if you move house or change phone numbers.

To update your details, you’ll need to:

Find out which database your pet is registered with (e.g. Petlog, Animal Tracker, etc.)
Visit the database’s website and log in or create an account.
Follow the steps to update your information—some databases may charge a small admin fee.

If you’re unsure which database holds your pet’s details, give us a call – we can scan your pet’s microchip and help identify it.

Will microchipping hurt my pet?

Microchipping is a quick and relatively painless procedure. It’s done using a small needle, similar to a vaccination, and most pets barely react. No anaesthetic is needed, and the chip, which is the size of a single grain of rice, is designed to sit harmlessly under the skin without causing discomfort.

For young puppies and kittens, microchipping is often done during routine vaccinations, and older pets tolerate it just as well.

Is a pet microchip proof of ownership?

While a microchip can help reunite lost pets with their families, it is not legally recognised as proof of ownership. While a chip shows who the pet is registered to, which is usually the person responsible for their care, legal ownership may depend on other documents such as adoption papers, vet records, or purchase receipts. We always recommend that you keep these documents safe.

That said, keeping your contact details up to date on your pet’s microchip is a vital part of responsible pet care—and the best way to help them get back to you quickly if they go missing.

Book your pet’s microchipping at Nova Vets

Microchipping is quick, safe, and gives you lasting peace of mind.