Dog Microchip Mandatory Implantation and Registration Procedures | 2022 Amended Law Compliance

Background of Microchip Mandatory Implantation and Overview of the Legal Amendment

On June 1, 2022, the amended Animal Protection and Management Act came into effect, making microchip implantation and registration mandatory for dog and cat breeders, pet shops, and other sales businesses. This is a groundbreaking institutional reform designed to reliably return lost dogs and cats of unknown owners to their caretakers.

While conventional registration tags and rabies vaccination certificates carried the risk of falling off, microchips are a permanent individual identification method embedded within the body. The direct impetus for the legal reform stemmed from cases where animals rescued after natural disasters or accidents were difficult to identify, as well as from societal demand to reduce the number of animals euthanized. According to environmental ministry data, the return rate for rescued dogs previously remained at approximately 40–50%, but in regions where microchips have become widespread, the return rate is said to have increased dramatically.

Notably, for existing owners who began keeping dogs before June 2022, microchipping is only an "endeavor obligation" with no penalties. However, when acquiring a new dog, breeders and sales outlets are legally required to complete implantation and registration before shipment.

How Microchips Work and Their Specifications

A microchip is a small glass capsule (approximately 2 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length) containing an IC chip and antenna. When exposed to a weak radio wave from a dedicated reader, the chip receives power and transmits a unique 15-digit numerical code. As a passive-type device requiring no battery, it functions semi-permanently.

In Japan, only chips in the 134.2 kHz band conforming to the international standard ISO 11784/11785 are approved for use. While older-standard 125 kHz chips were once in circulation, registration with the Ministry of Environment's designated registration authority now requires ISO-compliant chips. When having a chip implanted at an animal hospital, always verify that it is ISO-standard.

The implantation method uses a specialized injector resembling a syringe to embed the chip subcutaneously behind the dog's neck (between the shoulder blades). The procedure takes only a few seconds and causes about as much discomfort as a vaccine injection. After implantation, the chip adheres to connective tissue within the body and becomes fixed in place, so it typically does not shift.

Registration Procedure: Notification to the Ministry of Environment's Designated Registration Authority

Implanting the microchip alone is insufficient. Registration with the "Dog and Cat Microchip Information Registration" system (the Ministry of Environment's designated registration authority operated by the Japan Veterinary Medical Association) is necessary.

Procedure When Purchasing from a Breeder

Since the seller completes the implantation and registration before handover, the buyer only needs to complete the "owner change registration."

1. Receive the "Microchip Implantation Certificate" and registration number from the seller
2. Complete owner change procedures on the Ministry of Environment's designated registration authority website (or by mail)
3. Owner change registration fee: ¥1,000 (credit card or convenience store payment available)
4. Upon completion of registration, a confirmation notification is sent by email

Owner change procedures must be completed within 30 days of handover. If forgotten, the seller's information remains registered, which can result in the inability to be contacted if the dog becomes lost.

When Having the Chip Implanted at Your Own Veterinary Hospital

When implanting a microchip in an existing dog, after having the procedure performed at your regular animal hospital, you must register the chip with the registration authority. The registration fee is ¥1,000, and implantation costs vary by hospital but typically range from ¥3,000 to ¥5,000.

Relationship to the Rabies Prevention Law and Handling of Registration Tags

When registering a microchip, it can be linked to municipal dog registration (registration under the Rabies Prevention Law). A system has been established for information sharing between the Ministry of Environment's designated registration authority and municipal governments, and an increasing number of municipalities now recognize microchip registration alone as satisfying the Rabies Prevention Law's dog registration requirement.

However, annual rabies prevention vaccinations and vaccination certificates remain mandatory. This is a separate obligation from the microchip system and is handled through group vaccinations or individual inoculations at animal hospitals typically conducted from April to June each year. Vaccination certificates serve not only as identity confirmation in case of loss but also as proof of infection prevention for public health purposes, so they have not been abolished.

If a chip is already registered with a legacy private registration authority (such as AIPO or AIPet), additional registration with the Ministry of Environment's designated registration authority is recommended. Since readers used by animal shelters and veterinary hospitals reference the database of the Ministry of Environment's designated authority, identity verification may not be possible with legacy registration alone.

Change Procedures for Moving, Transferring, or Death

Microchip registration is not a one-time affair. Unless information is kept current, the system cannot serve its intended purpose.

• Moving or contact information changes: Complete change procedures on the Ministry of Environment's designated registration authority website (free)
• Private transfers or rehoming: The new owner completes owner change procedures (¥1,000)
• Death: Submit a death notification to delete the data (free)

Owners are frequently reported to forget updating their address and phone number after moving. Should your dog become lost, outdated address and phone information will make it impossible to be contacted, so complete change procedures promptly after relocating.

Key Confirmation Points When Acquiring a Dog from a Breeder

When acquiring a dog through a breeder direct-sales platform such as BreederDirect, be sure to verify the following points regarding microchips.

Whether implantation and registration are complete: For puppies born after June 2022 that breeders sell, microchip implantation and registration are legally mandatory. Receive written documentation of the implantation certificate and chip number before handover.

Recording the chip number: Save the number to your smartphone as a backup in case the reader fails to respond.

Support for owner change procedures: Trustworthy breeders will explain the owner change procedures clearly. Be wary of any seller who provides no guidance on the procedures.

A microchip is both "insurance" against your dog becoming lost and proof of responsible pet ownership. Complete the procedures with certainty and make your bond with your beloved dog even more secure.