With the reform of the microchip system, more lost pets are returning home

Lost or stolen pets will be returned to their owners more quickly under reforms to the pet microchipping system announced today (March 29).

With over nine million pet dogs and nine million pet cats in England, it is devastating for owners if they are lost or stolen. Microchips are the most effective and fastest way to identify pets. Dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owners.

Reforms adopted today will help reunite stray pets by making microchip records easier to access, improving the accuracy of microchip information and standardizing database operators’ processes.

The new measures will help prevent pet theft by creating more opportunities for reporting suspicious activity. This includes requiring database operators to provide a field indicating whether the pet has been reported missing. It also strengthens the pet ownership transfer process by ensuring the current owner has 28 days to appeal and prevents the creation of duplicate records.

The changes also include creating a central portal through which approved users – including veterinarians, local authorities and police – can search microchip records, rather than having to individually contact separate databases, which can delay the time it takes to get pets be returned home.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord Douglas Miller said:

“Pets are valuable members of the family, so if they are lost or stolen it can be devastating for owners.

“These important reforms will simplify the microchipping system so vets, local authorities and police can access important information more quickly when needed, helping to protect pets from theft and increasing the likelihood of lost pets being returned home. “

Michael Webb, head of policy and public affairs at Battersea, said:

“Battersea is incredibly pleased with these reforms to the microchipping system, which will improve services for property owners, enforcers and emergency responders alike. We see dogs and cats come into our centers every day with outdated microchips or, unfortunately, no microchip at all, making it nearly impossible for our staff to reunite people with their pets. These reforms, which we have been calling for for some time, will not only help rescues like Battersea reunite more pets in less time, but hopefully also better protect dogs and cats from theft.

“With only weeks to go until the law requires millions of cats to be microchipped, it is critical that the country’s microchipping system is as effective and robust as possible. We will continue to work with Defra and other organizations to ensure this is the case.”

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said:

“Microchipping our pets is very important and provides safety and security if they go missing, so they can be quickly identified and returned home.

“A centralized portal with more accurate records will ensure animals ending up at vets, local authorities and charities such as the RSPCA can be traced back to their owners as quickly as possible, reducing the stress and anxiety they may feel if “They are gone, minimized.” everything they know.”

Anna Judson, President of the British Veterinary Association, said:

“Microchips are an important tool for veterinarians who want to identify lost pets and successfully reunite them with their owners. The British Veterinary Association is pushing for action to address problems with the current database system which are causing ongoing frustration.

“These new measures are a positive step forward and the new portal is designed to help veterinary teams quickly check multiple databases, identify and reunite cats and dogs with their owners and provide prompt treatment where necessary.”

Today’s announcement follows a government consultation on the issue, where over 96% of respondents expressed support for the measures, and advances an action plan for the Animal Welfare Pledge and key recommendations from the Pet Theft Taskforce. It also builds on wider efforts to help lost, stray or stolen pets return home safely, including a commitment to microchip all pet cats in England by June 10, 2024.

We are also taking a strong stance against pet theft by implementing key recommendations from the Pet Theft Task Force and recently confirmed government support for the Animal Kidnapping Bill.

These commitments are part of wider government efforts to build on our existing world-leading animal welfare standards.

Since publishing the Animal Welfare Action Plan in 2021, we have enacted new laws recognizing animal sentience and introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty violations. announced an expansion of the ivory ban to include other species containing ivory; supported laws banning glue traps, importing severed shark fins, and measures banning the advertising and sale of low-welfare activities abroad.