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Registering a foreign pet microchip with MyPet

This article discusses registering an overseas (non MyPet microchip) with MyPet

Yes — you can register a foreign (overseas) pet microchip with MyPet! It takes just a few minutes and starts from only £3.99. See all of our plans HERE. 

Follow these three quick steps:

  1. Search your pet's microchip using the lookup tool at mypethq.io/microchip-search.
  2. Check the results — we'll tell you whether the microchip is already registered on a UK database and, if so, which one.
  3. Register your pet — if the microchip isn't already on a UK database, you can register it with us straight away. Just follow these steps: 

What is a foreign microchip?

A "foreign" or "overseas" microchip is one that was implanted outside the UK. These chips can start with a three-digit country code — for example, chips beginning with 642 (Romania), 724 (Spain). They can also start with a 9 which is a manufacturer code. This all depends on what country the microchip has come from., 

As long as the chip is a 15-digit FDX-B type (the UK legal standard), we can register it just like any other microchip — provided it isn't already registered on another UK database.

Have a different type of microchip? Some countries use FDX-A or other formats. If your chip isn't 15 digits, get in touch with us and we'll help.

Why do I need to register on a UK database?

If you've moved to the UK with your pet — or adopted a pet that was imported from abroad — registering on a UK Defra-compliant database is a legal requirement.

Beyond the law, it's also practical. If your pet goes missing in the UK, a foreign database won't help reunite you. When a vet or rescue centre scans your pet's chip, they search UK databases. If your details aren't on one, there's no way to contact you.

Bottom line: register your pet's microchip on a UK database as soon as you arrive.

My pet is registered on a database in another country — is that enough?

No. An overseas registration does not satisfy the UK legal requirement, and it won't help if your pet goes missing here. You need to register on a Defra-compliant UK database.

You don't need to remove your overseas registration — simply add a UK one alongside it.

What if my microchip is already on a UK database?

If our search shows your microchip is already registered on another UK database — perhaps by a rescue or previous keeper — you have two options:

How long does it take for my registration to appear?

Your registration should appear on all UK databases instantly. All Defra-compliant databases are linked, so a search on any one of them will find your pet.

If you're not seeing your registration, email us at support@mypethq.io with your microchip number and we'll look into it.

Common scenarios

  • Adopted a rescue dog from Romania, Cyprus, Spain, or Thailand — very common. Register the chip with us for £3.99 and you're sorted.
  • Moved to the UK with your pet from abroad — same process. Search, register, done.
  • Pet was microchipped abroad and is already on a UK database — this can happen if a rescue registered the chip before rehoming. Contact us if you need to update the details.

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