Microchipping Month hopes to spread the message of the importance of pet identification and is part of the Kennel Club’s long term aim of promoting responsible dog ownership.

Said Caroline Kisko, Secretary to the Kennel Club; “We are very happy to have received such strong support from the microchip companies and also the many Charities and other organisations involved. All involved has the same aim and it is great to see everyone working together to help promote permanent identification and responsible pet ownership.”

Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, formerly the NCDL said, 'In 2003 the figure of stray dogs is reported at 111,016 (NOP survey on behalf of Dogs Trust). Dogs Trust runs microchipping schemes around the country with very positive results being seen already.  An example has been shown over the past three years where Dogs Trust has been working together with Middlesbrough Council by providing free microchips for dogs whose owners receive means tested benefits. The council reports that since the chipping scheme began the number of strays in the area has halved.'

Caroline Kisko continued, 'Microchipping ensures that should a dog be found straying, it can be easily reunited with its owner in minimum time ensuring less stress to both the animal and of course the owner. The ease of reunification is increased even further for Petlog Plus customers who can activate a lost pet alert through the use of SMS text which automatically alerts Dog Wardens, Veterinary Surgeons and Rescue Centres within an approximate 30 mile radius of where the pet was lost guaranteeing even easier, faster and effective reunification with their beloved pet. This is just one of the many benefits that has made the Kennel Club decide to promote microchipping through Microchipping Month.'

For further information, please log on to http://www.petlog.org.uk. If you have any questions or would like to be involved, please contact Diane Simotas on 020-7518 1003
or email dsimotas@the-kennel-club.org.uk 

How does a microchip help
find a lost pet? 

If the worst happens and a pet is lost or strays, the microchip in a pet can only help reunification if details are kept up to date on the Petlog database.

How does it work?

When someone first registers with Petlog, detailed information is gathered and recorded about the pet and the owner.

Petlog is able to include three contact telephone numbers and an e-mail address as well as home address details.  Information on whether the pet is neutered, if it has a tattoo, distinctive features and essential veterinary information are also recorded.  Therefore, when an authorised agent such as a vet finds and scans a pet, they will be able to not only contact the owner at any time of the day or night, but have an understanding of the pet’s health if it has been injured in any way.

For an extra £10 for life you can upgrade to the Petlog Plus Service which includes:

1. Lost pets can be reported via the web, by telephone or through a text message and the relevant authorities in the local area will be alerted within minutes.
2. No charge is made for change of details. Owners can update records whenever they need – by phone, mail and web
3. Second carer contact details are added free.
4. There is no charge for holiday/travel details.