As of June 2024, new legislation in England requires that all domesticated cats be microchipped by the age of 20 weeks, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines of up to £500.
This significant change in the law, which came into force on 10th June 2024, has been introduced to improve animal welfare and help reunite lost or stolen pets with their owners.
Whilst microchipping is not compulsory for free-living cats with little or no human interaction or dependency, such as farm, feral or community cats, for domesticated cats the law is unequivocal. Despite this, of the estimated nine million pet cats in England, more than two million are still not microchipped, leaving their owners at risk of fines.
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping involves inserting a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the cat’s skin. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by vets or animal shelters, enabling them to contact the owner quickly if a lost or stray cat is found.
The microchip must be registered with a compliant database, with your up to date contact information. If your details change, such as if you move house or change your phone number, it’s crucial to update the database as soon as possible. Failure to keep your microchip information up to date may still leave you at risk of a fine, as the authorities will consider your pet unregistered if the information is inaccurate.
Why Has This Law Been Introduced?
The move comes as animal charities and welfare organisations have raised concerns about the high number of lost, stray or stolen cats in the country. Without microchips, these animals can be difficult to reunite with their owners, possibly ending up in shelters or facing uncertain futures.
Microchipping legislation aims to reduce the number of stray cats, minimise stress on animal rescue services, and improve the welfare of pets overall. The government has made it clear that local authorities and animal welfare organisations will have the power to issue fines for non-compliance.
What if your cat is older than 20 weeks, and not yet Microchipped?
To avoid being fined, it’s important to act now. If your cat is older than 20 weeks and not yet microchipped, it’s essential to schedule a vet visit as soon as possible to comply with the law.
How to Get Your Cat Microchipped
Microchipping is a quick and straightforward procedure that can be done at most veterinary clinics. The chip is inserted under the cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, and the process is relatively painless for the animal. Once inserted, the chip will last for the lifetime of the cat.
Most vets offer microchipping services at a reasonable cost – usually between £20-£30, and in some areas, animal charities or local councils may offer discounted or even free microchipping services. Check with your local vet or animal welfare organisations to see what options are available in your area.
It’s worth noting, that if you adopt a cat from Cats Protection or other official pet rescue or adoption agencies, your new cat will be microchipped before you take them home. The cost of this microchip is included in your adoption fee.
What happens to the Microchip if my cat passes away and is cremated?
When your pet passes away and if you choose to have them cremated, the microchip will remain in place and be incinerated during the cremation. Because they don’t have batteries or moving parts, there is no danger in cremating the microchip along with your pet, it will simply melt away into the ashes.
A Step Towards Responsible Pet Ownership
This new law marks a crucial step in promoting responsible pet ownership. Microchipping not only helps ensure that lost cats are returned to their owners but also serves as a deterrent against pet theft, as the unique identification number is difficult to tamper with or remove.
In the long term, microchipping can save you the heartbreak of losing your pet and the worry of not knowing what has happened to them. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your beloved feline friend can always be traced back to you if they ever go missing.
