Ahead of Check the Chip Day on Thursday (15), Dogs Trust Harefield is urging all dog owners to make sure their pets’ microchip information is current.
According to the latest Dogs Trust Stray Dog Survey, council dog wardens dealt with around 35,000 strays last year, which is a concerning increase compared to previous years. Out of these strays, approximately 43% were eventually reunited with their owners, but 26% could not be reunited because of incorrect or outdated microchip details.
It has been a legal requirement since 2016 for all dogs to have a microchip that is linked to the owner’s current contact information. Additionally, dogs must wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address when out in public, even if they are microchipped.
One of the success stories from Dogs Trust Harefield is Felix, a Patterdale Terrier crossbreed who was brought to the centre at around two years old. Felix showed signs of having lived in a home before and was quickly adopted by a new family.
Richard Moore, the rehoming centre manager at Harefield, emphasised the importance of keeping contact details up to date to increase the chances of reuniting with a lost dog quickly.
If you are interested in adopting a dog, you can visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/harefield for more information on dogs available for adoption.
Remember, updating your pet’s microchip information can make a significant difference in ensuring a quick reunion if your dog ever goes missing. For more information on microchipping and other dog essentials, you can visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/health-wellbeing/essentials/microchipping.
