Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs in Ireland. It's a simple, safe procedure that gives your dog permanent identification and greatly increases the chances of being reunited if they go missing.
What is a Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique identification number. This number is registered in a database along with your contact information, making it possible to identify your dog and contact you if they're found.
Key Facts:
- The chip is passive - it has no battery and doesn't track your dog's location
- It lasts for your dog's entire lifetime
- The chip can be read by scanners used by vets, dog wardens, and animal shelters
- Each microchip has a unique 15-digit number
How is a Microchip Implanted?
The microchipping procedure is quick and simple:
- The Process: A vet or trained professional uses a special needle to inject the microchip under the skin between your dog's shoulder blades
- Pain Level: It's similar to a routine vaccination - most dogs barely notice it
- Time: The entire process takes just a few seconds
- After Care: No special care is needed - your dog can return to normal activities immediately
Irish Law on Microchipping
Under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015, it is mandatory for all dogs in Ireland to be microchipped.
Legal Requirements:
- All dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age
- Dogs must be microchipped before being sold or given away
- Failure to microchip your dog can result in an on-the-spot fine of €100
- You must keep your contact details up to date in the database
Irish Microchip Registries
There are four approved microchip databases in Ireland where your dog's microchip must be registered:
Important: When you move house or change your phone number, remember to update your details with the microchip registry. This is free and can usually be done online. In the event your dog passes away you can also contact the registry to remove your details.
How to Check Where a Microchip is Registered
If you need to check where a microchip is registered, you can use the public lookup tool provided by Europetnet:
Europetnet Lookup Tool
Visit www.europetnet.org to search for a microchip number.
This tool will tell you:
- Which database the microchip is registered with
- Contact information for that database
- Whether the chip is registered in Ireland or another country
This is particularly useful if you:
- Find a lost dog and need to locate the owner
- Have adopted a dog and need to update the registration
- Are unsure which database your dog is registered with
- Need to verify your dog's microchip registration status
Cost of Microchipping
The cost of microchipping in Ireland typically ranges from:
- €20-€40 at most veterinary clinics
- €15-€25 at microchipping events or through welfare organiations
- Some animal charities offer reduced-cost or free microchipping services
Benefits of Microchipping
- Permanent identification that can't be removed or lost
- Proof of ownership in case of disputes
- Required for pet travel within the EU
- Peace of mind knowing your dog can be identified
- Increases chances of reunion if your dog goes missing
- Helps identify dogs in hit-and-run incidents
- Assists authorities in returning stolen dogs
- Required for some pet insurance policies
Did You Know?
Dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owners compared to dogs without microchips. In Ireland, hundreds of dogs are reunited with their families each year thanks to microchipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, microchips are not GPS devices. They don't have batteries and can't track your dog's location. They only work when scanned by a microchip reader.
You'll need to contact the microchip registry to transfer ownership. You'll typically need the microchip number and may need documentation from the previous owner or rescue organisation.
While rare, microchips can occasionally migrate from the implantation site. They very rarely stop working as they have no moving parts. Your vet can check the chip is working during routine check-ups.
Dogs can be on multiple databases at one time. Dog wardens, Gardaí and other authorised officers will only check the 4 official databases to if see your contact details are there. You will need to bring your dog to a vet so their microchip is scanned and can be registered on one of the approved databases.
By law only trained professionals, vets, vet nurses and lay implanters may implant and register dogs on the microchip databases.
Dogs brought into Ireland are required to register on one of the four databases within 21 days. Bring your dog to any vet and they will scan and then register the dog for you.
