Implement of Microchips

What is a Microchip?

　If you want to know what a microchip is and the pros and cons of it click here.

Microchips

Government Policy

What is the Government Doing?

　The biggest thing the government has done for microchipping is to make microchipping mandatory. The Animal Welfare and Management Law, which was amended in June 2019, made microchipping mandatory from June 2022.

Background of Making Microchips Mandatory

　Originally, household animals such as dogs and cats were required to wear name tags, tattoos, leg rings, and microchips to identify their owners, but this was not made mandatory. However, until then, animals classified as "specified animals" were required to have a microchip. There are many animals designated as "specified animals," including monkeys, elephants, bears, and venomous snakes, but it is easier to think of them as animals kept in zoos. The number of people who know about microchips for pets has been increasing due to such efforts, and a survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment has shown that more and more people have a positive view of microchips, which has led to discussions about making them mandatory.

Law Considering Microchips

　If you want to know more about the revised law on microchipping, you can also visit this page.

Law Considering Microchips

Summary

　Microchips have not been made compulsory until now, but with the revision of the Animal Welfare and Management Law, it will be compulsory for dog and cat dealers to install microchips. This is expected to make microchipping more widespread and more recognized.