Knowledge base · Identity
Who can fit a microchip?
A trained professional. GOV.UK says to ask a vet, your local council, or a local rescue and rehoming centre, and that they might charge a fee.
The chip has to meet the standards in the English regulations if you are in England: a unique number, ISO 11784:1996, ISO 11785:1996 apart from Annex A, and a response at 134.2 kilohertz using the FDXB protocol. You do not implant that yourself from a guide on the internet. This site does not describe the procedure.
Afterwards the animal has to be on a database GOV.UK lists as meeting government standards. Track Your Paws has been removed from that list. An email from some other database demanding a fee can be a scam. Report scam emails to the National Cyber Security Centre, which is what GOV.UK tells you to do.
The RSPCA points dog owners who need a vet to the RCVS register at findavet.rcvs.org.uk.
Sources
- Get your dog or cat microchipped — GOV.UK, accessed 14 November 2026.
- The Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023 — legislation.gov.uk, accessed 14 November 2026.
- Getting ready for your RSPCA rescue dog — RSPCA, accessed 14 November 2026.