Implantation of cat and dog microchips
Apply to run a microchip implantation course, apply for a microchip exemption for a dog or cat, or report an animal’s reaction to a microchip.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
Microchip implantation training
Dogs: implanting microchips
Under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023, dogs must be microchipped by:
- a veterinary surgeon
- a veterinary nurse acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon
- a student of veterinary surgery acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon
- a student veterinary nurse acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon
- someone who has been satisfactorily assessed on a training course approved by the Secretary of State on or after 24 February 2015 for implanting a microchip in a dog
- someone who has been trained in implantation which included practical experience of implanting a microchip in a dog before 24 February 2015
Cats: implanting microchips
Under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023, cats must be microchipped by:
- a veterinary surgeon
- a veterinary nurse acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon
- a student of veterinary surgery acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon
- a student veterinary nurse acting under the direction of a veterinary surgeon
- someone who has been satisfactorily assessed on a training course approved by the Secretary of State on or after 16 May 2023 for implanting a microchip in a cat
- someone who has been trained in implantation which included practical experience of implanting a microchip in a cat before 16 May 2023
Apply to run a microchip implantation training course
To apply to run a course on microchip implantation approved under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023, training providers should complete the application form.
In addition to the application form, you’ll need to provide:
- a list of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria and an explanation of how these fulfill or match the learning outcomes and assessment criteria listed in the application form
- details of the candidate assessment process
For internal or external quality assurance of implanter candidate assessment, you’ll need to include information on:
- the qualification and experience of assessors (both relating to microchip implantation and candidate assessment)
- details of any forms or records used in assessment and their storage and retention
- details of how the consistency of assessments will be checked
Where to send the application
Send the completed application form with the required supporting documentation to Defra by email at microchipping@defra.gov.uk.
Approval
Approval will be given to training providers that successfully demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of competence in the microchip implantation process.
We might contact you for information if required.
If you’re approved to run a microchip implantation training course, we will email you to confirm the approval.
Microchipping exemption form
If there are animal health reasons why a cat or dog should not be microchipped, they can be exempt. A veterinary surgeon must certify that the animal is exempt from the requirement.
A qualified veterinarian will need to print and complete the microchipping exemption form for the exemption to be considered valid. The keeper of the cat or dog must sign the exemption form.
The form should be kept on the cat or dog’s veterinary record.
Find out more about microchipping requirements on the BSAVA website.
Report an issue with an animal’s microchip
It is a legal requirement to report adverse events relating to microchips in cats and dogs in England.
Vets and trained microchip implanters should report suspected incidents with animal microchips including:
- reactions to the chip being implanted, such as injury, infection or prolonged bleeding
- migrations, where a chip’s moved from where it was implanted or has come out
- failure, where a chip does not read properly
You’ll need the microchip number to make a report. Complete the microchipping adverse event reporting form. Send the completed form to microchipping@defra.gov.uk.