Microchipping
Typical UK price: £15–£35
What is microchipping?
Microchipping involves the injection of a small chip (the size of a grain of rice) under the skin between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique 15-digit number linked to the owner's contact details on a national database. Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in England, Wales, and Scotland, and has been compulsory for cats in England since June 2024. It is permanent and requires no battery.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- Practice pricing strategy — some practices offer microchipping as a low-margin service, particularly for puppies and kittens at vaccination appointments
- Database registration fee — some practices include the first year of database registration; others charge separately
- Location — urban practices tend to charge more than rural or charity-run clinics
- Whether done during another procedure — microchipping is often offered at a reduced price when carried out during an existing anaesthetic
Frequently asked questions
Is microchipping compulsory in the UK?
Yes — microchipping is compulsory for all dogs in England, Wales, and Scotland, and must be done before the puppy is 8 weeks old (or before sale if sold by a breeder). From June 2024, microchipping has been compulsory for cats in England. Failure to comply can result in a fine.
What do I need to do after my pet is microchipped?
You must register your contact details with a government-compliant microchip database (such as Petlog, Microchip Central, or Animal Tracker). Keep your details up to date — a microchip is only useful if the database entry is current. Notify the database if you move, change phone number, or rehome your pet.
Does microchipping hurt?
The injection is comparable to a standard vaccination — a brief sharp sensation. Most pets tolerate it well without sedation. If your pet is particularly anxious, ask your vet whether microchipping during an existing anaesthetic procedure might be appropriate.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.