When families relocate, arranging their dog’s belongings and adapting to a new routine is often as important as updating household bills. However, one crucial detail often overlooked is updating the dog’s microchip information, which is stored in a database rather than being physically attached to the animal.
Dog owners are legally responsible for keeping their pet’s microchip details current. Government guidelines explicitly cite moving house as a key occasion to update this information. Failure to register accurate details on an approved microchip database can result in enforcement action, including a fine of up to £500 upon conviction.
Importantly, this regulation does not require implanting a new microchip when moving. Each microchip has a unique number, while the owner’s name, address, and contact information are held separately on the corresponding database.
READ MORE: Tonight’s Lotto Results and Thunderball Draw: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
READ MORE: Gloucester Docks: Narrowboat Stuck as Silt Build-Up Causes Navigation Issues
Michael Nelson, a canine expert at Kennel Store, explained: “Many owners think a microchip is something you sort when your dog is young and then never need to think about again, so it’s understandable why updating details can be missed during a house move.”
“The chip itself stays with the dog, but owners need to update the information linked to that chip. This ensures that if someone scans the microchip, they can reach the owner.”
The significance of accurate information becomes apparent if a dog goes missing following a move. Dogs Trust highlights that thousands of stray dogs each year cannot be reunited with their owners because their identification or microchip records are outdated. Their latest survey revealed that only about 31 per cent of dogs with known microchip records had the correct owner details for 2024-25.
“The real concern isn’t just the paperwork,” Michael added, “it’s the consequences if your dog gets lost. Moving can be unsettling for a dog, given their surroundings have changed. If they escape in an unfamiliar area and the contact details on their microchip are incorrect, it makes it much harder for whoever finds them to return them swiftly.”
Owners should contact the microchip database provider where their dog is registered whenever they change address or other contact details. If unsure which database holds their dog’s record, GOV.UK advises using the microchip number to identify it. Additionally, a vet, dog warden, or rescue centre can scan the microchip if the number is unknown.
“People often update their address with their vet and assume all related dog records are updated too, but the microchip database is separate,” Michael warned. “A microchip can only help reunite a lost dog with its owner if the linked details are accurate and current.”
Moreover, legal obligations extend beyond microchipping. Dogs must wear a collar and tag displaying the owner’s name and address when in public places. Keeping both the microchip information and collar tags updated provides multiple avenues for someone finding a lost dog to contact its owner promptly.