Celebrating National Microchipping Month: A Small Chip, A Big Difference

2nd June 2025

At Petpals, we’re proud to celebrate National Microchipping Month this June — a vital awareness campaign that highlights the importance of microchipping our beloved pets. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned animal lover, ensuring your furry companion is microchipped is one of the most responsible (and loving) decisions you can make.

Why Microchipping Matters

Microchipping involves inserting a tiny chip (about the size of a grain of rice) under your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This chip carries a unique identification number that can be read with a scanner by vets, animal charities, and local authorities. The number is linked to your contact information on a secure database.

Unlike collars and ID tags, which can easily fall off or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification. It’s safe, quick to insert, and could make all the difference in being reunited with your pet if they go missing.

The Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet

• Peace of Mind: If your pet wanders off or is stolen, a microchip vastly increases the chances of being reunited.
• Permanent Identification: Unlike collars or tags, a microchip can’t be lost or damaged.
• Legal Compliance: For dog and cat owners, microchipping isn’t just a good idea — it’s the law.
• Faster Reunions: Animal rescue centres and vets can scan the chip and contact you quickly, reducing stress for both you and your pet.
• Proof of Ownership: Microchipping helps confirm rightful ownership in cases of theft or disputes.

What the Law Says

In the UK, microchipping your dog is a legal requirement. Since April 2016, all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and registered on an approved database. Owners who fail to comply risk a £500 fine.

And from 10th June 2024, new legislation in England has extended this requirement to include cats. All pet cats in England must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age, and owners must keep their contact details up to date. This is a huge step forward for feline welfare, giving lost or stray cats a better chance of being safely returned home.

Keeping Your Details Up to Date

Microchipping is only effective if your contact information is current. Have you moved house or changed your phone number recently? National Microchipping Month is a great time to check your details on the database and make any necessary updates.

Petpals: Helping Keep Pets Safe

As a trusted pet care provider, Petpals supports responsible pet ownership every step of the way. We know how much your pets mean to you — they’re family. That’s why we encourage all pet owners to ensure their pets are microchipped and their details are up to date.

If you’re not sure whether your pet is chipped or which database they’re registered with, speak to your vet — they can scan your pet and help you find the right information.

A Small Chip Can Mean the World

This National Microchipping Month, let’s spread the word and help protect the pets we love. Whether it’s a curious kitten, a mischievous pup, or a wise old rescue, every pet deserves the best chance of finding their way home if they get lost.

Let’s chip in — for their safety, and your peace of mind.

Need help keeping your pet happy and safe while you’re away? Petpals offers professional pet sitting, dog walking, and dog boarding tailored to your pet’s needs. Contact your local Petpals team today. 🐾