Quarter of dogs still not chipped, vets estimate
Nearly 90 per cent of vets surveyed thought no more than 75 per cent of the dogs they saw were chipped.
At least 25 per cent of dogs are still not microchipped, according to estimates from BVA members who took part in the Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey.
Microchipping of dogs in England is set to become compulsory in April 2016 - less than a year away. BVA says more work needs to be done to get the message out to owners.
Small animal and mixed practice vets were asked: 'What percentage of the dogs you see would you estimate are mircochipped?'
Out of the 378 vets in England, Scotland and Wales who answered the question, 87 per cent thought that no more than three quarters were chipped.
Other findings revealed:
- 41 per cent of vets thought no more than half the dogs they saw were microchipped
- 12 per cent said no more than a quarter
- 2 per cent thought no more than a tenth
BVA's president John Blackwell said the organisation is pleased compulsory microchipping will soon be in place, but added, "with the vast majority of vets estimating that a quarter of dogs are unchipped there is no room for complacency".
Mr Blackwell said the BVA will spend the next nine months working with UK veterinary practices, animal welfare groups and governments to ensure a trusted system is in place that works effectively for dogs, owners and vets.
Microchipping posters for waiting rooms are free for practices to download from the BVA website.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
