Micro-chipping is a permanent form of identification. A 'chip’ (about the size of a long grain of rice) is injected under the skin of the dog, between the shoulder blades. This chip carries a unique number. The micro-chip number and owner’s contact details are stored on a national database. This means the dog's owner can be traced quickly by scanning it's micro-chip.
A dog collar and tag is a legal requirement
A microchip doesn't replace the need for a collar and tag.
If you lose your dog and its wearing a collar and ID tag with your contact details it is more likely the finder will contact you direct to return your dog. This will avoid your dog being collected as a stray. If we collect your dog as a stray you will have to pay a release fee for its return. You may also have to pay other fees such as vets and kennelling costs.
If a stray dog is injured and the owner’s details are unavailable, a veterinary practice will only carry out basic first aid. If the dog is microchipped the owner can be contacted quickly. This gives the opportunity for more comprehensive medical treatment to be carried out and may potentially save your dogs life.
We send details of all microchips that we supply to a central micro-chipping database.
Remember to update your microchip details if you move house or change phone number. Failure to do so may result in additional kennelling fees.
Having a dog micro-chipped or identified does not mean you will get your dog back for free. It allows us to find the owner more quickly and minimise kennelling costs.
Cost of micro-chipping
Cornwall Council charge £10 to micro-chip a stray dog being released at the Council Office. The Dog Welfare and Enforcement officers are able to micro-chip dogs by prior arrangement for £20 at a Council Office. We will chip a dog at your property for an additional £35 (plus the £20 per dog for the micro-chip).
For more information and advice, or to arrange getting your dog microchipped, please contact the Dog Welfare and Enforcement team by emailing publicprotection@cornwall.gov.uk or call 0300 1234 212.
ID dog tags
Our registration scheme to provide yellow ID dog tags has now closed . However we continue to maintain a list of dogs that are already registered on the scheme and have a yellow tag.
We can provide printed metal tags at a cost of £5 per tag.