From June 10, 2024, cat owners in England must microchip their pets or face fines of up to £500.

From June 10, 2024, cat owners in England must microchip their pets, or risk facing fines of up to £500. Around 25% of cats, around three million, are not microchipped. The microchipping process is quick, simple, and painless, involving the insertion of a chip under the pet's skin with a unique serial number registered on a database. The measure aims to ensure responsible pet ownership and improve the efficiency of rescue systems, which are struggling due to the cost of living crisis.