DOG owners across Warwickshire are being urged to check their pet’s microchip details are up-to-date.
The advise comes from Dogs Trust Kenilworth as a survey reveals that 28,000 stray dogs were handled by local authorities last year.
Half of these dogs were reunited with their owners after spending some time in a pound.
But despite being microchipped, an estimated 4,352 dogs were unable to be reunited with their owners because the contact details held on the microchip were incorrect.
Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped, and the chip must be linked to the owner’s current contact information. In addition, all dogs need to wear a collar and tag that states the name and address of the owner when in a public place, even if microchipped.
Around a fifth of all stray dogs handled by dog wardens were passed on to welfare organisations such as Dogs Trust Kenilworth to be rehomed.
This includes Lincoln, a three-year-old Saluki cross who has been in the care of the charity for a few weeks after being handed in as a stray.
Lincoln is now seeking a loving home to call his own. He enjoys energetic walks and cosy beds. He will need some adjustments to home life and training, including housetraining and gradually building up the amount of time he can be left.
Lincoln is good with older children who can give him the space he needs, and he’s making progress with other dogs. Lincoln prefers to be the only pet, as he’s working on his social skills. He loves cuddles and would adore a garden for sunbathing and playtime.
Emma-Jane Thomas, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, said: “When a dog goes missing it is incredibly stressful for their owners and families. However, ensuring their microchip details are kept up-to-date gives owners the best opportunity of being reunited with their canine friend should the worst happen, and they go missing.
“Our Stray Dogs Survey found that thousands of dogs are handled by local authority dog wardens every year. While many are microchipped, sadly a large number couldn’t be reunited with their owners simply because their microchip details were not up to date.
“It’s simple to update the details for your dog’s microchip; you can do it online, by telephone or by post, depending on which database your chip is registered to. This quick step will give you the best possible chance of being reunited with your dog if the worst does happen.”
For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/kenilworth
