Is Your Pet Safe This Winter? Vet Warns Owners to Check Microchips Before Clocks Go Back

As the clocks go back this weekend, pet owners are being urged to check their pet’s microchip details to help prevent heartache if their animal goes missing during the darker months.

On Sunday 26th October, the clocks will go back one hour at 2am to mark the end of daylight savings, meaning lighter mornings but longer, darker nights.

Longer Nights, Higher Risks

Ruth Cawston MA VetMB CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine, has shared advice on behalf of Kin Vet Community about why now is the perfect time to make sure your pet’s microchip information is correct.

Ruth said:

“The clocks go back at the end of October, and with that comes longer, darker nights that potentially make it more difficult to find lost pets. The best way to make sure your pet can be quickly and safely reunited with you? Simply check their microchip details are up to date.”

What’s on a Microchip?

Microchips store key details that help vets and animal rescue organisations reunite lost pets with their owners. This can include:

• The owner’s name, home address, and contact details

• The breeder’s licence number and local authority

• The pet’s identification number, name, gender, and date of birth

• The pet’s breed, fur colour, and identifiable markings

Legal Duty to Keep Details Updated

Ruth explained that it’s not just good practice, but a legal requirement to keep these details current.

“In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for cats and dogs to be microchipped with the correct owner details. Whether your pet was bought from a licensed breeder or rescued from an animal shelter, the details should be checked to ensure they’re accurate and kept updated with any changes. If you fail to do so, you could be fined up to £500.”

Holiday Season Hazards

With Halloween, Bonfire Night, and Christmas approaching, the risk of pets slipping out or being startled by loud noises increases.

Ruth added:

“The busy holiday season from Halloween up until Christmas and New Year brings more visitors and loud noises to our homes. In combination with the darker nights, this can mean that pets are more likely to slip out of the house unnoticed and go missing.”

She also noted the importance of checking details before travelling:

“If pets are staying with family, friends, or kennels at this time of year while you’re travelling, making sure your pet’s details are up-to-date beforehand will help ensure you’ll be reunited quickly should they wander off, even if they’re in an unfamiliar area.”

And when it comes to fireworks and celebrations, Ruth reminded owners that even calm pets can get spooked:

“Loud, unfamiliar noises can spook even the calmest of pets and cause them to bolt or hide away from home. Bonfire night, Christmas, and New Year can be particularly stressful for animals, but by checking and updating microchip details at this time of year, you can relax a little knowing that they can be identified and brought back to you if needed.”