New Rules for Cats and Dogs Are Now in Force in England

Pet ownership in England now comes with clearer legal responsibilities, especially for people who keep cats or dogs at home. The main change is simple but important: cats and dogs must be microchipped when the law requires it, and the owner’s contact details must be registered and kept up to date on an approved database.

For dog owners, compulsory microchipping has already been in place for years. For cat owners in England, the rule became mandatory from June 10, 2024, meaning owned cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks old, including indoor cats. Owners who fail to comply can face a fine of up to £500.