2 out of 10 British cat owners don’t want to microchip their pets

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.