Dog owners across Birmingham are being encouraged to get their pets microchipped before a new change in the law comes into effect next month. As people prepare to bring their dogs to Crufts (10-13 March), Birmingham City Council is reminding owners that from 6 April all dogs must be microchipped and have their details registered on an authorised database.

Starting this week, animal welfare officers from the council are holding three free microchipping sessions, so owners can get their dogs microchipped, ensuring they are compliant with the new legislation. These are:

  • 9 March 2016 – Phoenix House, Valepits Road, Garretts Green, B33 0TD.**
  • 10 March 2016 – Redway Court, Mount View, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7DT.
  • 16 March 2016 – Carhampton Road, Falcon Lodge, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7PG.

** Bookings must be made in advance for this session, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0121 303 9941.

The others will operate on a drop-in basis. All sessions are 10am to 2pm.

Under the new law, dog owners are also required to keep their details up-to-date on the database.

If a dog is caught without a chip, the owner will be issued with a notice and given three weeks to get the chipping done, but failure to comply could result in a maximum fine of £500.

The Government has suggested that local authorities and pet charities could save £33 million a year in dog food, kennelling and rehoming costs if all dogs were microchipped.