Microchipping system reforms to ensure improved chances of reuniting lost and stolen pets with owners

The pet microchipping system announced by the UK Government on March 29th 2024 is a game-changer for pet owners. Thanks to system reforms, lost or stolen pets in England will now have a better chance of being reunited with their owners. The country has around nine million pet dogs and nine million pet cats. The pain of losing a pet is an emotion that only owners can experience.

What is the impact of microchipping dogs in the UK?

Microchipping can be a fast and effective way to identify pets. Microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owners.

How is pet microchipping in the UK being simplified?

The reforms defined aim to streamline the microchip system. Owners can now easily access microchip records and enjoy improved accuracy. Standardising database operator processes and ensuring better access to microchip information will help reunite stray pets. Under the new measures, suspicious activity related to pet theft will be easier to identify, with database operators required to flag whether a pet has been reported as missing. Also, the process for transferring ownership of a pet will be strengthened. The current keeper will have 28 days to object and prevent duplicate records.

A central portal will allow approved users such as vets, local authorities and the police to search microchip records more efficiently. This will replace the need to contact separate databases individually and will accelerate reuniting pets with their owners.

Who has championed pet microchipping in the UK?

Animal Welfare Minister Lord Douglas Miller highlighted the importance of these reforms in safeguarding pets from theft and increasing the likelihood of lost pets being returned home. He underlined the significance of pets as treasured family members and the devastating impact of their loss. Michael Webb, Battersea's Head of Policy & Public Affairs, supported the reforms, which will improve services for owners, enforcers and rescues. He recognised the importance of microchipping in reuniting lost pets with their owners and protecting them from theft.

RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood stressed the reassurance and security provided by microchipping, which ensures that lost pets can be identified and returned home quickly. He welcomed the idea of a central portal with more accurate records, which would facilitate tracing animals back to their owners. British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson hailed the reforms as a positive step forward. They address issues with the current database system and help vet teams to reunite pets with their owners more efficiently.

Government Consultation

The announcement follows a Government consultation in which over 96 percent of respondents supported the measures. It also builds upon wider efforts to make it easier for lost, stray or stolen pets to be returned home safely, including the compulsory microchipping of all pet cats in England by June 10th 2024. The reforms are part of a broader government effort to enhance animal welfare standards. These include new laws to recognise animal sentience, tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences and bans on activities such as glue traps and the import of detached shark fins. By implementing these reforms, the Government aims to provide better protection for pets and peace of mind for their owners across England.