Dog Microchip Requirements & Registration — 2022 Law Update

As of June 2022, microchip implantation has become mandatory for dogs and cats sold by breeders and pet shops in Japan. This means that microchipping is now an unavoidable topic for anyone welcoming a new dog into their home. This article provides a comprehensive guide to dog microchips, from how they work to the registration process.

How Microchips Work and Their Safety

A microchip is a cylindrical electronic identification device approximately 2 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length, encoded with a unique 15-digit number recognized worldwide. When a dedicated reader is passed over the implant, the number is read via radio frequency. No battery is required—once implanted, the microchip functions for the animal's entire lifetime.

Implantation is performed at a veterinary clinic using a specialized injector, similar to a vaccination. The microchip is typically inserted between the shoulder blades. The procedure takes only seconds and causes minimal pain—comparable to a standard injection. Side effects are extremely rare, and the microchip does not migrate within the body in the vast majority of cases. Microchips are covered in biocompatible glass and have been used in millions of animals worldwide for decades with an excellent safety record.

The Registration Process

For Dogs Purchased from Breeders or Pet Shops (After June 2022)

Dogs sold through licensed businesses come with a microchip already implanted. The breeder or shop registers the microchip in the designated database. Upon purchase, the new owner must complete an ownership transfer registration within 30 days.

Registration is done through the Ministry of the Environment's designated registration body. The process can be completed online or by mail. You will need the microchip registration certificate provided by the seller, your personal identification, and a registration fee (currently around 300 yen for online, 1,000 yen for mail).

For Dogs Already Owned (Before June 2022)

For dogs acquired before the mandate, microchipping is encouraged but not legally required. If you choose to microchip your existing dog, visit your veterinarian for implantation, then register with the designated database.

Why Microchipping Matters

• Lost pet recovery: Microchips provide permanent identification that cannot fall off like collars or tags. Shelters and veterinary clinics routinely scan found animals
• Disaster preparedness: During natural disasters, separated pets are far more likely to be reunited with owners if microchipped
• Legal compliance: Mandatory for newly sold dogs and cats since June 2022
• Proof of ownership: In disputes over ownership, microchip registration serves as evidence
• International travel: Many countries require microchip identification for entering pets

Important Notes

• Microchips do not contain GPS—they cannot track your dog's location in real time. They are identification devices only
• The microchip number alone is useless without registration. Always ensure your contact information in the database is current
• Update your registration information whenever you move or change phone numbers
• If you transfer ownership of a dog, the registration must be updated to reflect the new owner

Costs

• Microchip implantation at a veterinary clinic: approximately 3,000-10,000 yen
• Database registration: approximately 300-1,000 yen
• Note: For dogs purchased from breeders or pet shops after June 2022, the implantation is already done—you only need to complete the ownership transfer registration

On BriChoku, all dog breeders comply with the microchip mandate. Dogs purchased through the platform come with microchips already implanted and registered, making the ownership transfer process straightforward. Breeders can guide you through the registration steps at the time of purchase.