THE importance of microchipping your pets has been stressed by a canine group in the region.
Lost Dogs Dumfries and Galloway this week reminded owners to make sure their pooches are chipped. It came after multiple dogs were found locally at the weekend and taken to police stations while their families were found.
Lost Dogs founder Lee Herron said: “Many of these dogs could have been reunited much quicker had they been microchipped — or if they were, if the details were up-to-date.
“If your dog is lost or stolen, they can’t speak for themselves. They can’t give out your phone number or where you live. However, a microchip can!”
She also shared info on social media about chip checking, saying: “If you’re not sure if your pet is chipped — or if the details are up-to-date you can speak to your vets or groomer and ask if the chip is still working. They can usually give you the chip number.
“You can then visit www.checkachip.co.uk – enter the microchip number and you will find out which company they are registered with.
Then I’d advise contacting that company and make sure all of your details are up to date and match. It’s a good idea to do this annually.”
Lee also revealed that it’s now law that dogs must be microchipped and owners can be fined if their details are not up-to-date.
She added: “Many dogs are found and never reunited due to chips not being correct — don’t let that happen to you.
“Also, if the details are right it means you’ll be reunited far quicker and your dog won’t have to spend unnecessary time in kennels – as was the case this weekend for many dogs.”
