Thousands of much-loved pets are reported as missing or stolen every year.
Sadly, many are never reunited with their owners.
Fortunately, there is something you can do to give them the best chance to be identified and returned to you – microchipping.
Microchipping is a quick, safe procedure and the microchip will last your pet’s lifetime.
A very small microchip (similar to a grain of rice), with a unique chip number, is inserted under your pet’s skin. The process is similar to having a vaccine.
Once inserted, the microchip will be assigned to a specific database and is ready to be scanned and matched to your contact details.
It’s a legal requirement to have any dog over the age of eight weeks microchipped and to keep your details up-to-date. Find out more here.
Failure to microchip your dog, register them on an approved database or keep your contact details up to date, can lead to a £500 fine and you could face criminal prosecution.
From 10 June 2024, it will be compulsory to microchip cats before they reach 20 weeks. You can find out more information here.
Dogs must be microchipped from eight weeks.
Under new plans, cats will have to be microchipped before 20 weeks.
If your pet is already microchipped:
-Contact the microchipping company to make sure your contact details are up to date.
-Contact vet practices near the last you last saw them.
-If your lost dog or lost cat were taken to a vet or rescue, they will contact you directly.
Microchipping is only effective if you keep your contact details up to date.
For more information, please consult your vet.
To report cruelty or an animal in distress call 0300 1234 999
RSPCA Cotswolds, Gloucester & District Branch
