When families move house, organising their dog’s belongings and establishing a new routine is often as important as updating household bills. However, a vital detail that could make all the difference if a dog escapes is frequently overlooked: updating the dog’s microchip information on the relevant database.
Dog owners are legally responsible for keeping their dog’s microchip records up to date. Government guidelines explicitly advise that moving house is one occasion when these details should be revised. Failure to register current information with an approved microchip database can lead to enforcement action, including a potential fine of up to £500 upon conviction.
It is important to clarify that this rule does not require the implantation of a new microchip when a dog owner moves house. Each microchip carries a unique identification number, while the owner’s personal information-such as name, address and contact details-is stored separately on the database linked to that number.
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Michael Nelson, a canine expert at Kennel Store, explained: “Many see a microchip as something done once when the dog is young and then forgotten about. This helps explain why updating details during a house move is often missed.”
“The microchip remains with the dog permanently. What needs to be updated is the information connected to that chip so that if someone scans it, they can contact you.”
The significance of maintaining up-to-date microchip records becomes evident if a dog gets lost after a relocation. According to Dogs Trust, thousands of stray dogs annually cannot be reunited with their owners because their identification or microchip information is outdated. Their most recent survey found that, in 2024-25, only around 31 per cent of dogs with known microchip records had accurate owner details.
“The primary concern isn’t the paperwork itself but what happens if your dog goes missing,” added Michael. “Moving can already be unsettling for pets, given the changes in their surroundings. If a dog escapes in unfamiliar territory and the microchip contact details are incorrect, it becomes far more difficult for finders to reunite the dog with its owner promptly.”
Dog owners should promptly notify the microchip database provider when their address or contact information changes. If unsure which database holds their dog’s record, the microchip number can be used by authorities or vets to identify it. Vets, dog wardens or rescue centres can scan the canine to obtain this number if the owner does not have it.
Michael further noted: “Updating your address with your vet does not automatically update the microchip record, as the data is held separately. A microchip only helps bring a lost dog home if it links to correct and current owner information.”
Additionally, legal obligations extend beyond the microchip. When in a public place, dogs must wear a collar with an identification tag displaying their owner’s name and address. Keeping both the microchip and collar tag information current provides multiple ways for anyone who finds a missing dog to contact its owner swiftly.