On 'Check the Chip Day' today (15 August), new data from the Dogs Trust Stray Dog Survey has revealed around 28,000 stray dogs were handled by local authority dog wardens last year.  

Around half of these dogs were reunited with their owners, but around 4,300 could not be returned as their owners' contact details were not up to date.

Dogs Trust Kenilworth is now calling on all owners to ensure that their dog's microchip details are updated to ensure they can be quickly reunited with their owners if they do go missing.   

Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped, and the chip must be linked to the owner's current contact information.

In addition, all dogs need to wear a collar and tag that states the name and address of the owner when in a public place, even if microchipped.    

Around a fifth of all stray dogs handled by dog wardens were passed on to welfare organisations such as Dogs Trust Kenilworth to be rehomed. 

Emma-Jane Thomas, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, says:  "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, sadly a large number 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 step will give you the best possible chance of being reunited with your dog if the worst does happen."