Government department Defra has announced changes to the pet microchipping system.
The reforms are intended to streamline the return of lost or stolen pets to their owners by making microchip records easier to access, improving the accuracy of microchip information, and standardising database operator processes.
The changes include the creation of a central portal that approved users – such as vets, local authorities, and the police – can use to search microchip records rather than having to contact separate databases individually, which can delay the time taken for pets to be returned home.
The new measures will aim to help deter pet theft by creating more opportunities for suspicious activity to be flagged. This will include requiring database operators to provide a field indicating whether the pet has been reported as ‘missing’, strengthening the process for transferring keepership of a pet by ensuring the current keeper has 28 days to object, and preventing the creation of duplicate records.
The announcement follows a government consultation on the issue in which over 96% of respondents expressed support for the measures. All pet cats in England are required to be microchipped by 10 June 2024.
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Douglas Miller said: “Pets are treasured members of the family so it can be devasting for owners when they are lost or stolen.
“These vital reforms will simplify the microchipping system to make it quicker for vets, local authorities and police to access important information when they need it, helping to safeguard pets from theft and increase the likelihood of lost pets being returned home.”
RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood added: “Microchipping our pets is so important and provides reassurance and security, should they go missing, that they’ll be able to be identified and returned home quickly.
“A centralised portal with more accurate records will ensure that animals who end up with vets, local authorities and charities, like the RSPCA, can be traced back to their owners as quickly as possible, minimising the stress and anxiety they may feel being away from everything they know.”
