UK law requires all cats to be microchipped by 10 June 2024. Find out how to get your cat chipped for free or cheaply to keep them safe and avoid the £500 fine.
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Cats are more than just pets – they’re part of the family.
To help protect your feline family, a new law in the UK requires all cat owners to microchip their cats by 10 June 2024.
Owners found not to have microchipped their cat may face a fine of up to £500.
Not sure where to get your cat chipped for free?
Here are some ways to do it without spending much money.
Why microchip your cat?
Microchipping is a simple way to keep your cat safe. The chip is as small as a grain of rice and goes under your cat’s skin.
It has a special number that links to your contact details. If your cat ever gets lost, this chip will help get them home.
Change in the law
The law on microchipping cats, introduced by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is changing from 10 June 2024.
Cats in England must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they’re 20 weeks old.
You can be fined up to £500 if your cat is not microchipped when they need to be.
If your cat is found not to have a chip, you will have 21 days to have one implanted or face a fine.
Even if your cat doesn’t go outside or they never stray very far, you still must have them chipped.
Where to get free for cheaper microchipping
With the cost of living continuing to rise and it not appearing to get any easier, if you already have a pet, having these extra costs may not be something you planned for.
According to Cats Protection, there are around 11 million cats in the UK, and around 3 million are potentially not microchipped.
It usually costs £20 to £30 to microchip your cat; however, there are some options for free or cheaper microchipping.
Bear in mind that you usually need to pay a fee to update your address details with the database that holds the information!
Check local animal charities
Many animal charities understand that not everyone can afford the microchipping fee.
They sometimes offer free microchipping events or have vouchers to help cover the cost.
Larger charities like Cats Protection, PDSA or the RSPCA may be able to offer subsidised care.
You will usually need to show proof of a low income and/or be in receipt of certain benefits.
It’s also worth reaching out to local animal charities to see if they can offer different levels of support.
Talk to your vet
Some vets might lower the price or offer a payment plan if you have more than one pet to microchip.
It’s worth asking your local vet if they have any offers or if they can suggest any other ways to get the procedure done for less.
Some vets do offer a free service, too, but you will need to check.
Visit local events
Keep an eye on local events in your community.
Vet clinics and animal charities sometimes set up booths at these events to offer free or discounted microchipping.
Look for opening offers
New vet clinics or pet shops sometimes offer special deals when they open.
To welcome new customers, they might offer services like microchipping at a lower cost.
It’s a good idea to watch for any new openings in your town.
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