The Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is urging the public to get their pets microchipped this month as part of Microchip Your Pet Month.
While the law requires all dogs to be microchipped and correctly registered to their owner, the charity said microchipping other pets was “optional but highly recommended”.
Jodi Corbett, humane education officer at the charity, said: “The SPCA receives reports daily of lost, found and deceased animals, if they are not microchipped we have no way of identifying an owner and no proof of ownership should there be a dispute.
“We believe that microchipping is a major part of being a responsible pet owner.”
The microchips used to tag pets are slightly larger than a grain of rice, and are implanted in the loose skin between the pet’s shoulder blades.
When a tagged animal is found, veterinarians or animal wardens can use a database to identify who the pet belongs to.
A spokeswoman for the charity said: “If a chip is found and your details are up to date then you will get a call letting you know where you animal is.
“If there is no chip you may never be reunited with your pet again and there is a chance he or she will be legally rehomed after a mandatory four-day waiting period.”
All cats and dogs at the SPCA are spayed/neutered and microchipped before leaving the shelter as part of the medical care included with every adoption.
For more information about the importance of microchipping visit www.spca.bm or call your vet to make an appointment for your pet to be microchipped.
By Owain Johnston-Barnes The Royal Gazette