Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st July 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Quarter of dogs still not chipped, vets estimate
dog being microchipped
Nearly 90 per cent of vets surveyed thought no more than 75 per cent of the dogs they saw were chipped.
Less than a year until new law comes into force

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.