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Microchipping reform to speed up pet reunions
Databases will need to include a field indicating if the pet has been reported missing.
A new standardised process will improve accuracy of microchip information.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said that new reforms to the pet microchipping process will reunite thousands of lost and stolen animals.

The new microchipping system is designed to standardise database operator processes, as well as improving the accuracy of microchip information. It will also make microchip records easier to access.

As part of the measures, there will be more opportunities for users to flag potentially suspicious activity to deter pet theft.

Database operators will be required to include a field indicating whether a pet has been reported as missing. They must improve the process of transferring keepership, by giving the current keeper 28 days to object to changes.

Operators will also need to have functionality in place to prevent the duplication of records.

The new reforms will see the creation of a centralised portal which all approved users can access. This means that veterinary professionals, local authorities and the police can each search microchip records quickly, rather than contacting separate databases.

These reformations to the microchipping system are based on recommendations made by the Pet Theft Taskforce, and form part of the government’s pledge of an Action Plan for Animal Welfare.

The commitments form part of the government’s wider efforts to improve animal welfare, which has included compulsory cat microchipping from 10 June 2024.

A government consultation found that over 96 per cent of respondents supported the new reforms to the microchipping system.

Lord Douglas Miller, animal welfare minister, said: “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.”  

British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Anna Judson said: “These new measures are a positive step forwards and the new portal should help vet teams to check multiple databases quickly, identify and reunite cats and dogs with their owners and provide prompt treatment where needed.”

A spokesperson from the National Veterinary Data Service (NVDS) said: "The team at the National Veterinary Data Service welcomes the opportunity to improve pet reunification through the changes announced by Defra.

“As a database operator, we believe a flag to indicate a pet is missing and a central portal to authorise access to the information will be useful tools to help reunite owners and their pets even more efficiently."

Image © Defra

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.