Dog Microchip Complete Guide — Mandatory Law, Implantation & Registration

Since June 2022, microchipping has been mandatory for dogs and cats sold by breeders and pet shops in Japan. Microchips are tiny transponders (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades, providing permanent identification.

The procedure takes seconds, is similar to a vaccination injection, and is performed by a veterinarian. Each chip has a unique 15-digit ISO-compliant number linked to the owner's information in the national database. Registration and any address/owner changes must be updated through the designated registration organization.

Benefits include reunification with lost pets (shelters and vets scan for chips), proof of ownership in disputes, and legal compliance. Unlike collars and tags, microchips cannot fall off or be removed. However, microchips are not GPS trackers -- they only work when scanned at close range.

When moving, changing phone numbers, or transferring ownership, always update the microchip registration. On BriChoku, all dogs come microchipped by breeders as required by law, with registration transfer guidance provided.