Microchipping is mandatory for dogs in the UK and enables reunification of lost or stolen pets with their owners, significantly reducing stray animal welfare problems.
Lost or stray animals experience fear, hunger, and risk of traffic accidents. Microchipping combined with current database registration enables rapid reunification reducing the duration of these welfare harms. Unneutered strays contribute to unwanted litter production. Microchipping should be accompanied by database registration with current owner details checked annually to ensure the system functions for animal welfare purposes.