Can I register my puppy's microchip somewhere for free? And other questions.

[HuxleyPigOinkOink]

Breeder says I need to go to xyz website but it's £24 to register.

Isn't there somewhere I can do it for free considering it's legally mandated to be chipped?

Also there's so many 'databases' so if my dog went missing and it's scanned does that scanner check all the databases?

Is there like one main database they're all on or would you have to try each individual database/website?

Dogs are very expensive over time. If you are quibbling over £24 you are going to be in for a nasty shock.

Why should there be a free database? We don't get free driving licenses or passports. I certainly don't want my taxes going towards your pet.

Do you think the people who set up and administer these databases are volunteers?
Running a company costs money in staffing and lots of other areas so how the heck would their services be free to the consumer?

Not going to get into the argument about costs of changing details but for those saying their breeder registered chips directly in the new owners name, your breeders were breaking the law.

All puppies must be microchipped and registered to the breeder before they are sold to ensure traceability.

I agree that all dogs should be chipped but this law hasn't been thought through.

Agree, it hasn't.

Of course all pets should be chipped and it's something I have always had done for my pets. But given that no one is actually policing it it's a pretty pointless bit of legislation.

*That is like saying it would be better if there was only one gas supplier, or one insurance provider. Why would it be better? More providers means you can shop around for the one that provides a price and services that suit your needs best.

If you just want to register for free and not take any other services there are some that do just that.*

Do you have to get another chip put in if you want to use a different company?

I have one dog with Petlog and one with Chipworks. When I paid to transfer them from the breeder to me, this upgraded the listings so I don 't pay if move or change addresses for holidays. I could have requested the later-acquired dog (Chipworks) to be transferred to Petlog too.

I didn't realise this it was me who said about the breeder microchipping so I stand corrected. I didn't begrudge the change over of details I thought it would have been easier if we did it.

No, you can move from one database provider to another.

So there are chip companies that including registration in the cost of their chips and offer breeder registration that allows free transfer to the new owner.

There are then less scrupulous companies ( that know that government are not committed to enforcing law) who sell dirt cheap chips to less scrupulous breeders and then charge new owners to register the chip. The databases don't offer vets login details and often take 24 hours to answer calls about found pets.