Microchip databases in the UK can be confusing. More and more Databases are claiming to be Defra compliant. Some of these databases provide dreadful customer service so it’s important to ensure your pet is registered with a reputable pet microchip database.
In this article, I will do my best to help guide you on what to look out for when selecting a microchip database and also cover some other commonly asked questions. To see some information on Defra-compliant databases in the UK check out THIS ARTICLE.
I’ve added some links to recent articles we’ve written below that help explain the world of pet microchipping.
Pet microchip database articles
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What does Defra compliant mean?
Defra is The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They have oversight of microchip databases in the UK.
A database is considered Defra compliant by telling Defra they are compliant. Currently, there are no checks or audits to ensure a database is compliant. You can see the full list of databases that say they are compliant on the gov.uk website HERE.
We hope and strongly advocate for better rules and regulations for pet microchip databases. Better rules and stronger enforcement would help build the trust that’s been lost by allowing bad microchip databases to operate and a large amount of misinformation.
What microchips does your implanter use?
One thing that can decide which microchip database you use is the microchips your implanter uses. This can then directly affect the quality of the service you get and how much it costs to update your details. A good article that talks about different microchips is HERE.
You can always ask your implanter which microchips they use to allow you to research which microchip database they will be registered on. Some of the things to consider are:
- Is there an initial fee for registration?
- Is there a fee if I need to update my details in the future?
- Where is the microchip made?
- What are the reviews like for the microchip database?
Check what pet microchip database your pet is currently registered on
If you’re not sure of the type of microchip in your pet you can search which if any database your pet is registered on.
We will show you any Defra-compliant database on which your pet is registered on. You can then contact them to ensure your details are up to date.
If there are no results your pet is not registered on any database and can be registered on a database of your choosing. You can register with MyPet HERE.
Enter your microchip number
Things to look out for when it comes to microchip databases
There are a number of things we encourage you to look out for to help you ensure your pet is registered on a good database:
- Discounts for leaving a good review
- Offering a service of transferring a microchip for you from another database. (This should only be completed by you as the pet owner.)
- Premium rate phone numbers
- No online reviews. We recommend checking out Trustpilot and Reviews.io.
You can also check out members of the Association of Microchip Database Operators HERE.
Can I move to another database?
The short answer is yes. As long as you are the current registered keeper on the database you should be able to move your pet’s microchip registration to another database.
To get this process started get in touch with the current database and let them know which database you would like to move to. They can guide you on next steps. If you’d like to move to us and you don’t hear back from your current microchip database let us know HERE. We will then get in touch with your current database.
Should I register on multiple databases?
We do not recommend registering on more than 1 database unless there is a genuine reason to do this.
Registering an animal on more than 1 database can make it very difficult for a Vet, Rescue or Dog warden to get a pet home as they have to check on multiple databases to find the correct owner. This gets even harder if there are different owners on different databases.
Our team may recommend it on some occasions but we are advocates of rules ensuring that a microchip is registered on only one database in most circumstances.
Who can access my data?
A database should only allow certain users to access your data unless you’ve given your permission to share this more widely. We operate a stringent process of approving what we call authorised users. Currently we allow the following:
- RCVS registered Veterinary practices
- Local council users such as Dog Wardens
- Police
- Animal Rescues with a web presence and some sort of registered status such as a registered charity.
We constantly monitor the usage of our authorised user search portals and have checks and balances in place to restrict access if too many searches are carried out or we receive a complaint about an organisation.
Most databases will have their own processes for authorising these types of users.
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions or comments please feel free to pop them in the comments below or pop us an email – support@mypethq.io.
Thanks for reading!
