More than one million dogs still not microchipped

More than one million dogs in the UK are still to be microchipped, according to the latest statistics from Defra. A significantly higher number of dog owners’ contact details are also not up to date on their microchip record, with only one day to go until microchipping of dogs becomes compulsory in England, Scotland and Wales.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: “We welcome the new microchipping regulations in England, Wales, and Scotland which come into force tomorrow. The regulations highlight the importance of dog owners ensuring that they not only register their pet’s details on an approved database but ensure their contact details are accurate and up to date – not only because this is now a legal requirement but also because it is in the interest of the welfare of their dogs to do so.

“The microchipping regulations will go a long way towards improving dog welfare by ensuring that dog owners are more aware of their responsibilities, and because microchipping and keeping contact details up to date helps ensure speedy reunification of a missing dog with its owner.”

For more information, please visit www.chipitcheckit.co.uk.