Celebrating one year of legal cat microchipping in England

With the legal requirement for cat microchipping in England being a year on, there has never been a better time to check your details and understand what that tiny chip actually does. June is National Microchipping Month, a reminder for all pet keepers to make sure their pets are protected, and their details are up to date.

Understanding the Basics

A microchip is a small electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted just under your pet’s skin. It acts as a permanent digital ID that links to your contact details on a microchip database.

If your cat ever goes missing, a vet, warden or rescue can scan their chip to retrieve your contact information and help bring them home. Unlike collars or tags, a chip won’t fall off, wear out or be removed, making it a reliable, lifelong way to prove keepership and keep pets safe.

The Legal Landscape in 2025

As of 10 June 2024, it became a legal requirement in England for all cats over 20 weeks old to be microchipped and registered with up-to-date keeper details. The law applies to indoor cats as well, recognising that even house cats can slip out and become lost.

Key requirements include:

  • Cats and dogs must be microchipped by 20 weeks of age
  • Keeper contact details must be kept accurate
  • The chip must be registered with a DEFRA-compliant database

If you do not comply, you may receive a 21-day notice. Failure to act can result in a fine of up to £500.

Beyond the Basics: What Many People Don’t Know

Even if your pet is already microchipped, here are a few facts that often get overlooked…

Microchips are not GPS trackers
They do not show your cat’s location. A chip can only be scanned at close range to access the ID number linked to your contact details.

Details go out of date more quickly than you think
If you’ve changed your phone number, moved house, or if your cat has been rehomed or passed away, those changes need to be updated on your cat’s microchip record.

Not all databases are created equal
Only databases that are DEFRA-compliant are legally recognised. You can find out which one your chip is registered with by using our Check-a-Chip tool.

Regular scanning is a good idea
At annual check-ups, ask your vets to scan the chip to make sure you’ve a copy of the number.

Making the Most of Your Cat’s Microchip

Microchipping is only as effective as the information attached to it. To get the most from your pet’s chip:

  • Know your cat’s microchip number. It is usually found on their vet records or adoption paperwork. If you don’t have it, ask your vet to scan your cat.
  • Use the Check-a-Chip tool to identify your database.
  • Log in and update your keeper details if anything has changed.
  • Consider adding services like identialert for 24/7 lost pet support and notifications to local professionals in the event your cat goes missing.

One Year On: A National Moment for Microchipping

This National Microchipping Month, join thousands of responsible pet keepers in taking five minutes to check your pet’s chip and database details. It is a small act that makes a big difference.

Whether your cat is an outdoor explorer or prefers the comforts of indoor living, you should still make sure your cat is both microchipped and that the details are kept up to date. Microchipping is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to keep them safe for life, and one day it could be your cat’s ticket home.

This blog post was written by Identibase.