Bringing hope to lost pet owners as rules for microchipping dogs and cats tighten

Lost pets will be easier to reunite with their owners under new rules for pet microchipping.

Previously, returning a lost dog or cat could be complicated because owner details were stored in multiple computer databases.

But the changes will allow police, veterinarians and local authorities to access just one “central portal” to verify the ownership of pet cats and dogs. This makes it possible to match a microchip and link it to its owner.

The new rules will make it harder to register stolen pets with new owners, giving pet owners greater protection from pooches and theft.

Any attempt to register a dog or cat with a new owner will be flagged and the current owner will have 28 days to appeal.

The database operator must also provide a field indicating whether the pet is reported as “missing.”

This will arouse suspicion if someone tries to register someone else's pet.

Animal Welfare Secretary Sir Douglas Miller said: “Pets are valued family members and when they are lost or stolen it can be devastating for their owners.”

“These important reforms will simplify microchipping systems, give veterinarians, local authorities and police faster access to critical information when they need it, protect pets from theft, and help prevent lost pets. are more likely to return home.”

Michael Webb, Battersea's director of policy and communications, said: “Battersea is very pleased with the reforms to the microchip system, which will improve the service to owners, executors and rescuers alike.” Ta.

“Every day, dogs and cats arrive at our centers with expired microchips, or unfortunately no microchips at all, and our staff reunite people with their pets. It has become almost impossible.

“These reforms, which we have long called for, will not only help rescues like Battersea reunite more pets in less time, but will also better protect dogs and cats from theft. It will be.”

The reforms come as cat owners face a new deadline of June 10, 2024 under new legislation that will require all domestic cats in the UK to be microchipped. Pet owners can be fined up to £500 if they fail to comply with this law.