Cost of Microchipping
across the UK

# Microchipping Trade Body Accreditation

In the UK, microchipping is primarily regulated through veterinary oversight rather than a single dedicated trade body scheme. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the main regulatory authority governing all veterinary practitioners, including those who perform microchipping, and any vet carrying out this procedure must be RCVS-registered. Additionally, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) sets clinical guidelines and best practice standards for microchipping procedures, though membership is voluntary. Non-veterinary microchipping providers may operate under general business regulations, but there is no specific UK trade body accreditation scheme exclusively for microchipping itself. Some providers may hold insurance through professional bodies or certifications from microchip manufacturers, but these are less formal than veterinary registration. When considering a provider, checking whether they are RCVS-registered (for vets) or whether they follow BSAVA guidelines indicates they operate within established professional frameworks.

To verify a provider's credentials, you should first check the RCVS online register, which is publicly searchable and lists all registered veterinary surgeons and their qualifications. If using a veterinary practice, ask to see evidence of RCVS registration for the individual performing the procedure, and enquire whether the practice follows BSAVA clinical guidelines. For non-veterinary providers, request proof of relevant training, professional liability insurance, and details of the microchip brand being used and its registration scheme. It is important to verify credentials because microchipping, though relatively simple, does carry minor risks including infection, migration of the chip, or incorrect placement. A properly trained and insured provider will use sterile equipment, follow correct insertion techniques, and register the chip correctly with a national database such as Petlog or Animal Tracker, ensuring your pet can be