Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has plans to bring forward legislative proposals to require vet practices to scan and check microchip registration of dogs and cats on their first appointment to ensure that pet and owner match.

The Government agrees with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) that it is good practice for veterinary practices to scan dogs that are presented to them and particularly at the first appointment. However, the Government supports BVA’s position that vets should not be legally required to do so, due to the impact it could have on the vet-owner relationship. On 23 April 2019, the BVA met campaigners to discuss this issue. The BVA undertook to remind veterinary practices to scan dogs in line with best practice and help owners understand the importance of keeping their microchipping records up to date.