It is a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped.

Dogs Trust are offering free microchipping certificate amnesty for dogs this week. August 12 - 18 marks the charity's National Chipping Week to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of microchipping. Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped and registered with a government-approved database, such as Fido, Animark, the Irish Kennel Club, and Microdog ID. All dog owners must also have an up-to-date microchipping certificate, ensuring that if their dog gets lost, they can be successfully contacted by the authorities. According to Dogs Trust, over 14,000 dogs have been reunited with their owners over the past few years, and yet a considerable number of lost animals are still not microchipped. Even more surprising, however, is the number of dog owners who are not in possession of a valid microchipping certificate, making it virtually impossible for their dog to be returned to them even though they are chipped. This week, Dogs Trust are offering owners the chance to avail of a free updated chipping certificate to ensure that their correct address and/or telephone number is attached to the chip. To claim your free microchipping certificate, you must already have your dog microchipped and know your dog's microchipping number. You can get your free microchipping certificate amnesty, and find out more about microchipping, here.