How to Check If a Dog Is Microchipped

Whether you've just adopted a dog, found a stray, or simply can't remember if your own dog was chipped, checking for a microchip is straightforward — you just need to know where to go and what to do next.

Can You Feel or See a Microchip?

In most cases, no. A pet microchip is roughly the size of a grain of rice (around 12mm long) and is implanted just under the skin between the shoulder blades. You cannot reliably feel it by touch, and there is nothing visible on the skin. The only way to confirm whether a dog is microchipped — and to read the chip number — is with a microchip scanner.

How to Get a Dog Scanned for a Microchip

1. Take the dog to a vet

Any veterinary practice in the UK can scan a dog for a microchip. It takes about 30 seconds and is free — vets do this as a public service. If you have your own dog, you can ask for it to be scanned during any routine appointment. If you've found a stray, take it to the nearest vet immediately.

2. Go to a rescue centre or RSPCA branch

Animal rescue centres and RSPCA branches also have scanners and will scan found dogs for free. This is often the most practical option if you find a stray outside normal vet hours.

3. Contact your local council dog warden

Dog wardens carry scanners and have a legal duty to collect stray dogs. Reporting a found stray to your council automatically involves a scan and database search.

I Have the Chip Number — Now What?

The scan will produce a 15-digit ISO number. That number on its own tells you nothing — it only becomes useful when you search it in a database that links chip numbers to owner contact details.

You can search for a dog's microchip number using Petchip Global's free microchip lookup. If the dog is registered with us, the owner's details will appear and you can contact them directly.

Other databases worth checking include:

• Petlog (run by The Kennel Club)
• Identibase
• Animal Tracker
• MicroChipCentral

If one database draws a blank, try others — dogs can be registered on any compliant UK database and there is no single central registry.

What Does the Chip Number Look Like?

A standard ISO 15-digit microchip number looks something like: 985141000123456. UK chips typically start with 985 or 900. Older chips may be 9 or 10 digits. If you're unsure, enter the full number as scanned.

What If the Dog Isn't on Any Database?

A chip with no registration is an unfortunately common problem. The dog may have been chipped but the registration was never completed, or the details belong to a breeder, rescue, or previous owner who never transferred the registration.

How to Check If Your Own Dog Is Registered

If you want to verify your own dog's registration details are correct and up to date:

1. Ask your vet for the microchip number at the next appointment (or look on your puppy paperwork)
2. Search the number on Petchip Global
3. If your details appear correctly — great. If not, or if nothing appears, update or create your registration

It's worth checking this whenever you move house, change your phone number, or change your email address. An out-of-date registration is almost as useless as no registration at all.