Microchips, contact details and the veterinary nurse
Abstract
Recent data obtained at this year's BSAVA congress have indicated that 55% of veterinary nurses believe that pet owners are unaware of the responsibility they have to keep their pet's microchip contact details up to date. Celia Walsom discusses the issues.
With National Microchipping Month just around the corner recent data have highlighted serious concerns that veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons have regarding pet owner's awareness and responsibility in regards to microchipping; 55% of veterinary nurses believe that pet owners are unaware of their responsibility in keeping their pet's microchip details up to date.
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses also believe that compulsory microchipping of dogs will have a positive impact on the issues relating to speed of reunification, animal welfare, dangerous dogs and puppy farming through accountability and traceability.
Worryingly, in another survey carried out by Petlog, 12% of pet owners believed that a microchip acts as some sort of GPS device and almost half of dog owners were unaware that microchipping is to be made compulsory in England in 2016, highlighting the lack of understanding of how a microchip works and their legal obligation as a dog owner.
So what action needs to be taken to improve awareness of microchipping and what can be done to help?
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.