JUNE DEADLINE FOR CAT OWNERS TO MICROCHIP PETS OR FACE FINE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The deadline for cat owners to microchip their pets is fast approaching, with a law making it compulsory coming into force on 10 June. Here is what you need to know about the new requirements.

Cat owners could face a fine of up to £500 if they fail to microchip their pet under a law coming into force on 10 June.

In England, the population of pet cats exceeds nine million, yet a significant portion, potentially up to 2.3 million, remain unchipped.

Microchips serve as a vital tool for reuniting lost, stray, or stolen cats with their owners. Recognizing their importance, the government is implementing new regulations to make microchipping compulsory in England.

Here’s what you need to know:

Cat owners are required to have their pets microchipped by the 10th of June. Following this deadline, it becomes a legal obligation to microchip cats before they reach 20 weeks of age. Ensure you retain a record of your cat’s microchip number. If you don’t have it, contact your vet to check if it’s on their records, or take your cat to the vet for scanning.

Failure to comply with microchipping requirements results in a 21-day grace period to rectify the situation. If microchipping is still not completed within this timeframe, owners may face a fine of up to £500.

What are the rules across the UK?

The new law only applies in England.

Microchipping cats is not compulsory in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland – but there have been calls from animal charities for the nations to follow suit.

How much does microchipping cost?

The RSPCA states that microchipping your cat typically ranges from £10 to £30.

Additionally, certain animal charities and organizations may provide microchipping services at a discounted rate or even free of charge.

When adopting a cat from a rescue center or animal welfare charity, the cat should already be microchipped, and the organization should provide you with the necessary information to update the microchip details.

What happens if you need to update the microchip details?

It’s essential to contact your microchip database and update your details in case of any changes, such as a new phone number or address.

Usually, you can accomplish this by either calling them or visiting their website. Be aware that there might be a small fee associated with updating your information on the database.

When rehoming your cat, you’ll need to fill out a transfer of ownership document to ensure the new owners’ details are recorded in the microchip database.

In the unfortunate event of your cat passing away, it’s important to report this to your microchip database so that their records can be appropriately updated.