However, incorrect microchip details prevent thousands of dogs from being returned home.

New data released by Dogs Trust to mark Check the Chip Day (15 August) has revealed that local authorities handled approximately 28,000 stray dogs last year, with around half of the dogs being successfully reunited with their owners.

Despite the large number of owners getting their dog back, the charity’s annual Stray Dogs Survey also revealed that an estimated 4,352 dogs were unable to be returned home because the owner’s contact details on the microchip database were incorrect.

In response, the charity is calling on all dog owners to make sure that their contact details are up to date on the microchip database.

Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement for owners to have their dog microchipped and to keep their contact details on the database up to date. Owners should update their contact details when they move house or change their phone number.

Adam Clowes, director of operations at Dogs Trust, 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, a large number sadly 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 check will give you the best possible chance of being reunited with your dog if the worst does happen.”

Image (C) Dogs Trust