A warning has been issued to all dog owners to keep their pets’ microchips up to date after a worrying survey revealed thousands were unable to be reunited with their owners.
According to the Dogs Trust, a survey has shown that around 28,000 dogs were passed onto welfare organisations to be rehomed. But what’s even more alarming is many of these dogs were microchipped, however their owners couldn’t be traced due to outdated microchip information.
Of the 28,000 stray dogs taken in by welfare organisations and rehomed, 4,352 – or around 20 percent – were chipped. However, with incorrect information on the database, sadly these dogs couldn’t make it home to their families, highlighting the importance of checking whether your furry friend’s details are correct.
Last month’s ‘Check the Chip Day’ saw owners reminded to check their pet’s microchip details. This simple step can make all the difference in reuniting a lost dog with its owner.
Microchipping Rules
Since 2016, the law has said that all dogs must be microchipped and the chip must be linked to the owner’s current contact details. Additionally, when in a public place, all dogs must wear a collar and tag that displays the owner’s name and address, even if they’re microchipped.
While the Dogs Trust survey reveals the importance of keeping your details up to date, it also demonstrates how many dogs currently have no microchip at all.
While the safety net they offer is obviously paramount, having your dog microchipped isn’t just about reuniting you with your pet if they’re lost or stolen; it’s also about complying with the law and microchipping is a big step towards responsible dog ownership.
What Is A Microchip?
A microchip is a tiny electronic device, roughly the size of a grain of rice, implanted under the dog’s skin. It holds a unique number that can be read by a scanner and the details are stored on a central database.
This database ensures that if a dog is stolen or goes missing, it can be reunited with its owner.
The law states that it’s the owner’s responsibility to update the animal’s details on the database whenever their circumstances change. So if you’re a dog owner and you think the details held on the database are outdated or incorrect, you should get it sorted as soon as possible.
Updating a Dog’s Microchip
If you need to change microchip details, thankfully it’s a straightforward process. It can be done online, by telephone or through the post. However, the charges for updating contact details may vary depending on the microchip database provider.
If your pet is registered with us here at PetScanner, we won’t charge you a penny for updating your information!
As a dog owner, you obviously cherish your bond with your pet. This is why it’s so important to take a moment to ensure that the technology designed to keep you together is in perfect working order.
