Responsible pet ownership, microchips and the veterinary nursing profession
As an Australian veterinarian, I have read with interest the article in this edition regarding the impending introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs in the United Kingdom. Legislation providing for compulsory microchipping of dogs and cats was first introduced in Australia in 1998. In my home state of Queensland, compulsory microchipping was legislated in 2008 aiming to permanently identify dogs and cats, effectively manage regulated or dangerous dogs and to foster responsible pet ownership. Veterinarians and veterinary nurses would be the largest group of microchip implanters authorised under Australian legislation. Accompanying this responsibility, veterinary nurses are placed in an ideal position to be advocates for responsible pet ownership educating clients about the value of making a lifelong commitment to maintaining their pet's microchip status and emphasising the importance of microchips in reuniting a lost pet with its owner.