Words by Ashleigh Howarth
RSPCA Queensland is urging all pet owners to use their time off during the holiday season to get their pets microchipped, saying a staggering number of pets don’t have proper identification.
Since the beginning of the year, a whopping 70 per cent of cats and dogs that have been to RSPCA Queensland have not had a microchip, making it harder for staff to reunite them with their families.
The worrying statistic has prompted RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon to issue a warning to pet owners this holiday season.
“With increased storms, fireworks, and people going on holiday, we do see an increase in lost and found calls about pets,” Emma says.
“If your cat or dog isn’t microchipped, or if the microchip has out of date information, it’s harder for pets to be reunited when they enter council or shelter facilities.”
Emma also says more pets with microchips and up-to-date details would mean fewer animals being placed up for adoption.
“When owners can’t be found or they don’t come forward to reclaim their pets, these poor animals then have to start all over and look for a new family to love them,” Emma explains.
Thankfully, RSPCA Queensland was able to successfully reunite nearly 3000 animals with their owners in the past year.
RSPCA’s Top Tips for pet owner peace of mind
• Get your pet microchipped and registered – ask your local vet.
• Unsure if your pet is microchipped? Ask your vet.
• Check your pet’s chip details are up to date – visit www.petaddress.com.au
• Getting a new pet – check their chip before taking them home. If you do purchase, or get an animal, the original owner will need to sign over ownership on a change of ownership form before the microchip registration company can change the pet into your name.
• Ensure your pet wears a collar with your contact number visible, council registration tag or RSPCA VIP tag.
• Going away for the holidays? Register your pet with RSPCA’s Home Alone service.
What to do if your pet goes missing
If you do lose or find a pet, you can notify RSPCA’s Lost and Found team on 1300 363 736. For a small fee, their Lost and Found Team can also assist in searching for your pet by conducting shelter and council database searches and across social media pages. To access this service, visit the RSPCA website.
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