How To Check Your Dog's Microchip Details
32 CommentsSaturday, 24 September 2016 | D for Dog Microchipping is now compulsory for all dogs in England and Wales. To be effective, this scheme relies heavily on owners checking their dog's microchip details and remembering to keep them up to date.
It is vitally important to check your dog's microchip and make sure that the details stored are correct and up to date. But what do you do if your dog has been chipped but you can't remember who, what or where, in order to check it?
There are four microchip databases in the UK, so if your dog has been microchipped in the UK, the chip should be registered with one of these, if the corresponding paperwork has been completed.
UK Microchip Databases
- Anibase
- Petlog
- Petprotect
- PETtrac
If you are not sure which database your dog's chip is registered with, visit http://www.check-a-chip.co.uk and simply type in the microchip number. If you don't know the number, ask your vet to scan for the chip and the number will be obtained.
Below are some key points relating to each microchip database:
| | Anibase | Petlog | Petprotect | PETtrac |
| Which database am I registered with? | Anibase sends a certificate with microchip number, password, and all details listed | Keeper is given documentation at time of implant and is sent confirmation within 14 days | Keeper will receive confirmation when the microchip is registered | Check the chip number on your paperwork. It is registered with PETtrac if it is 15 digits long and begins with 977 |
| Are my details up to date? | Log in online using details on certificate or phone the 24/7 hotline | Check online or by phone using details on certificate | Phone the 24/7 call centre | Check online, by phone or in writing |
| How do I change my details? | Online, in writing using the form sent with the certificate, or detailing all currently held details | Online, over the phone, in writing using the reverse of the certificate | Over the phone as long as the keeper's name does not change | Online, by phone, in writing |
| How much does it cost to change my details? | £6 or £17.95 for enhanced Locate service lasting 8 years, includes unlimited changes of address and alerts to authorities if your dog goes missing | £15 by phone or £10 online for unlimited changes during the dog's lifetime and automatic upgrade to Petlog Premium including help with lost pets | £4.95 for one year's worth of changes or £14.95 for the lifetime of your dog | £6 or £16.95 for premium service with free updates, including a brass collar tag and additional benefits |
| What if there is a change of registered keeper? * | New keepers should request transfer of keepership in writing. Anibase will contact existing keeper to advise transfer will be made within 28 days if no response | Transfer of keepership must be made in writing | Fill in a Petprotect change of ownership form with a signature from previous owner, bill of sale or letter from a vet | Must be completed in writing. Contact PETtrac to obtain a form. PETtrac will seek verification with the registered keeper if supporting documentation is not supplied |
| What if the situation is tricky? | Both parties will be put in touch with each other in the event of dispute | Contact customer services. If the dispute cannot be resolved it will become a civil matter | If the previous owner is not contactable or is uncooperative, a confirmation from a vet or pound is needed to prove the new owner has taken charge of the dog. A death certificate or letter from a vet or rescue is needed if the previous owner has died | PETtrac will interact with both parties to attempt to resolve the dispute |
| How do I contact my chipping database? | 01904 487600
anibase.com | 0844 4633 999
petlog.org.uk | 0800 077 8558 | 0800 652 9977
pettrac.co.uk |
* From 2016 the responsibility will be on the previous keeper to complete the change.
© This information is reproduced from a Dogs Today Magazine article, strictly with their permission. We/they do not authorise the copying of all or any part of it.
For Petlog, change of address required upgrade to petlog premium which cost £16 (not £10)
Change the address and name
You are a bit behind the times guys. There are now 10 databases.
we are one www.microchipcentral.com
01223 790100
I have lost my dogs microchip details,getting him scanned at vets is not an option as he has been through a traumatic time at vets recently,how can i find his microchip number
Some dog groomers also have chip scanners. Check around for alternatives.
Is there a contacy for notification of deceased dog ( microchiped )
There are 4 databases. Please use the information above to contact the one relevant to your dog's chip.
i tried to change ownership by phone told to do it on line ,went on line told to do it in writing .?why not say so in first plaste
I have just had my puppy microchipped with the Anibase database. Is the cost of registration included with the vet's microchip charge?
Please contact Anibase. Thank you.
I have moved and need new address in my dog chip
There are 4 databases. Please use the information above to contact the one relevant to your dog's chip.
I have recently adopted a dog but haven't been given any documents how can I change his microchip details into my name?
You need to contact the database that the chip is logged with.
The previous breeder of our dog has not changed details over to our address. They said they would but have not. How can we get them to do it?
I want to change microchip address as new owner not heard from previous owner
Petlog customer. Petlog are an awful company and useless, they took my money 18 months ago and still no confirmation of ownership change. Can I change to a different company or do I have to stay with petlog as that's what the microchip and dog are registered to?
Thanks.
I have just taken a dog in to save him going to a pound how do I find out if he has been chipped and how much will it cost to do so if he isn't
A vet or anyone with a chip scanner (some groomers etc..) will be able to scan him for a chip. They would also be able to advise you of the cost of chipping, if he turns out not to be chipped or please see https://www.dfordog.co.uk/blog/free-dog-microchipping-dogs-trust.html
hi i recently purchaced a dog she is chipped but the number is not registered anywhere what can i d o my local vet gave me the chip number
How do I register a microchip from another country? Bringing my dogs back to UK from Spain All have Spanish microchip
I need the answer to the same question
If you got an answer please contact me. Cathy
You can check www.europetnet.com to see if your pet is registered with any European database. If it is then it's a matter of contacting the chip implanter to have them transfer the registration to a U.K. database of your choice. Otherwise you have to apply in writing with which ever U.K. pet database provider you wish to use.
I need to change details but don't have microchip number
I have a rescue pup from Romania. How do I change her chip details and can I do it for the £6.50 or is it going to cost me more. Thankyou please can you email me with any help please. Thank you
Please contact your microchip supplier directly.
My dog is with petlog and ive just been given her sister by her now old owner but her chip is registerd with pettrack, she doesnt know how to transfer the chip ownership so it can go on my petlog with my dog? Can i swap her from pettrack to petlog? If me and the previous owner put it in wrighting?
I am sure you can. You will need to contact them.
can I change ownership on line or do I have to send the paperwork to you ?
how much to do so
Please contact your microchip supplier directly.
If I take my dog i recently took in from someone who could not look after her to get scanned for a chip can the vet take her off me as i am not the registered keeper? please help
There are so many stolen and missing dogs and when they are found, the chip is checked and so many are not up to date or phone numbers are invalid. Surely there must be some way we can make this system better and be updated more accurately. I know it relies on the owners to update, but there must be some sort of way it can be better regulated?????