![2 out of 10 British cat owners don’t want to microchip their pets](https://globalpetindustry.com/wp-content/cache/thumb/c0/417b761616ddcc0_960x540.jpg)
In June, the UK government made it illegal for all cats not to be microchipped in England. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £500 ($632/€590).
However, a recent survey of 1,135 UK cat owners conducted by Censuswide for Direct Line Pet Insurance in May 2024 found that one-fifth of cat parents plan to never get their animals microchipped.
Pet owners reported concerns about the procedure hurting their cats (19%) and its high cost (17%). The pet insurance provider estimates the average price of microchipping in England to range between £28.34 ($36.61/€33.65) and £55 ($71.05/€65.30).
London had the highest average cost, at £39.71 ($51.29/€47.15) per appointment, compared to Liverpool, which was the cheapest, at £23.10 ($29.84/€27.43).
Unaware of fines
As many as 18% of respondents are unaware of the new legislation and its penalties if they don’t comply.
More than half of British cat owners (56%) did not know about the maximum fine if their pet was found unchipped after the 3-week grace period, which ended on 1 July.
A survey by Direct Line of 50 veterinary surgeries in England found that 60% of vets admitted witnessing an increase in microchipping appointments since the new requirements entered into force.
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