Unfortunately, the answer is no. Although there are several online platforms where you can purchase microchips for dogs along with the necessary tools for implantation, it's crucial to emphasize that microchipping and registration should exclusively be performed by individuals with proper training. Qualified professionals authorized for this task include veterinary practitioners, veterinary nurses, and certified lay implanters (referenced below).

While it might seem like a cost-saving measure to microchip your own dogs, it's important to recognize that this approach is not advisable and should be avoided at all costs.

According to Section 10.2 of the MICROCHIPPING OF DOGS REGULATIONS 2015 (MODR 2015) [link], the law stipulates the following:

(a) a veterinary practitioner,

(b) a veterinary nurse,

(c) an individual —

(i) trained as per Regulation 11, to insert the microchip and manage the associated data and identification material correctly, and

(ii) whose name, address, and other contact details are listed on the website of a dog identification database.

Section 10.2 MODR 2015

Microchipping can only be performed by professionals who have received adequate training. Additional links to laws concerning dog control and microchipping can be found here. We also provide an FAQ section dedicated to microchipping.

MODR 2015 allows for trained non-veterinary personnel to conduct microchipping and registration. Typically, this provision is utilized by rescue organizations and charities for microchipping their own dogs.

Each of the Irish registries maintains and publishes a roster of certified lay implanters, accessible through the following links:

Fido – https://www.fido.ie/layimplanters

Animark – https://animark.ie/lay-implanters

IKC – https://www.ikc.ie/dog-ownership/choosing-the-right-dog/how-to-buy-a-puppy/microchipping/approved-implanters/

ICC – https://irishcoursingclub.ie/microchipping-implanters/

Interested individuals can reach out to these organizations to inquire about becoming certified lay implanters. Each provider may have specific criteria for eligibility. It's important to note that certified lay implanters are prohibited from microchipping their own dogs.

The law does allow for the registration of a dog even if the microchip insertion wasn't conducted by a professional. Ultimately, the priority is to ensure the dog is registered in a database.In such cases, you will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for scanning. The veterinarian will verify your information and update it in the microchip database.

Similarly, if your dog has been microchipped with a non-standard microchip (as specified by the law, ISO 11784 chip microchips containing 15 digits of data), for instance, a microchip with only 13 digits, you will need to consult a veterinarian for scanning. They will determine whether to implant a new chip or register the non-standard one. There's a risk that an approved ISO Standard 11785 device may not read the chip properly, in which case, your veterinarian may opt to re-implant your dog.

According to Section 10.4, veterinarians and certified lay implanters are prohibited from microchipping a dog in which they have a vested interest. This includes their own dog, whether owned fully or partially, a dog in which they have a financial interest, or a dog under their care, if it belongs to their partner or employee.

(4) An individual must not microchip and register a dog with a microchip if he or she or a connected person-

(a) has a financial interest or other beneficial interest in the dog, (b) is the owner or part-owner of the dog,

(c) has possession or control of the dog, whether on a full-time or part-time basis, or

(d) is a partner or an employee of a person to whom subparagraph (a), (b), or (c) refers.

Section 10(4) MODR 2015

If you have concerns regarding a veterinary practice, you can contact the Veterinary Council of Ireland, which oversees veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses, via www.vci.ie.

In Northern Ireland, individuals can register their own dogs, but the microchip insertion must be performed by a professional. Registration, in this context, entails enrollment in one of the approved microchip databases.