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Cat owners given three month warning to microchip pets or face £500 fine
New legislation comes into effect in June
Owners have three months left to get their cats microchipped as a new law comes into force in the summer, or they could face a £500 fine.
The legislation, which was first introduced in March 2023, will make it compulsory for cat owners to have their pet microchipped – when it comes into effect on June 10th this year.
The tiny chips, implanted just under the skin, must have the up-to-date contact details of owners which will be kept on a microchipping database.
Owners of cats found not to be microchipped will be given 21 days to have one one implanted in their pet. Failure to do so could result in a £500 fine. Cats must also be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks.
The aim of the new law is to ensure cats can be safely reunited with their owners if they become lost or stray.
Cat owners who still need to have their pets microchipped before the deadline may be wondering where they can take their pets to have it done and how much it will set them back.
According to Cats Protection, a UK charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray, unwanted or homeless cats, owners can expect to pay anywhere between £20 and £30 to have their pet microchipped.
It’s a fairly simple procedure which involves inserting a small chip, which is around the size of rice, under the skin of your pet. It only takes a few seconds and is meant to last for the entirety of your cat’s life. If you move home, details can be updated on the microchip database.
And it ensures that beloved pets can be returned to owners should they go astray. Pets can be returned safely to their homes.
The RSPCA is also offering to microchip pets for £10, while some vets are offering microchipping at reduced rates or free of charge on certain days. Check your local vets online for details.
Speaking about the upcoming law, Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy, Campaigns & Government Relations, Madison Rogers, said: “Cats Protection is delighted that pet cats in England will be given the same protection as dogs when it comes to microchipping.
“The charity regularly reunites owners with their much-loved cats, and in most cases, this is only possible thanks to microchips. No matter how far from home they are found, or how long they have been missing, if a cat has a microchip there is a good chance that a lost cat will be swiftly returned home.”
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