44 percent of vets have been unable to reunite missing or stray dogs with their owners due to incorrect information on the microchip database, revealed the British Veterinary Association (BVA). The information was released one year on from the introduction of compulsory microchipping for dogs in England, Scotland and Wales (6 April 2016).
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that seven in ten vets believe that the majority of dogs they see in practice have now been microchipped, in line with the new legislation.
However, a microchipped dog that has out of date contact details on the microchipping database means it is very difficult for vets to reunite them with their owners.
Situations like moving house or bringing a new dog into the home are when dogs are most likely to feel most disorientated and stray, with these also being the time when details are most likely to be incorrect.
Updating information on the microchip database as soon as a dog or you have a new address is vital to ensure dogs are not lost and owners are not hit by avoidable heartache.
Gudrun Ravetz, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: “Updating your dog’s details on the microchipping database when you move house or get a new phone number should be on the same list as changing your bank and billing information, however it’s often not considered until it’s too late.
“Microchipping a dog and keeping the database contact details up to date are now a legal requirement for all dog owners in the UK, offering peace of mind for owners as well as valuable benefits for dog health and welfare.”
For any queries about microchipping or updating chip details, speak to your local veterinary practice.
