Petlog Database
Part of the work of the RSPCA involves reuniting owners with many of the 250,000 cats and dogs that go missing every year in the UK. You can help the Society by having your pet microchipped. If your pet is then lost or stolen, there is a good chance that your pet will be returned to you.
PetLog, the UK's national pet identification scheme, was launched in 1995 by The Kennel Club to help reunite stray and abandoned animals with their owners.
It is a simple procedure whereby a tiny microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the skin of your pet's shoulder blades by a vet. Most animals can be microchipped, but it is commonly used on dogs, cats and horses.
The microchip will store a number, unique to your pet. This number, along with your details, will be stored on a national PetLog database. The register encompasses all forms of identification, including collar tags and tattoos. If your pet is lost, it is likely that it will be picked up by the police, a dog warden or a rescue organisation, who are equipped with a special scanner. They can then obtain the microchip number of your pet, allowing them to contact you.
For more information about joining PetLog and getting your pet microchipped contact:
Battersea Lost Dogs Line
Most dogs picked up within London and the M25 are taken to Battersea Dogs' Home. To help reunite pets to their owners Battersea operates a scheme supported by the Metropolitan Police. The Lost Dogs Line means one call replaces many calls to vets, police and the RSPCA. Specialist staff log precise details about a missing dog and can check immediately whether the dog has been brought in to Battersea or is awaiting collection from a police station.
If the dog does not appear on the Battersea system, the owner is supplied with several numbers in the local area for the RSPCA, kennels or dog wardens who might be holding the dog. The Lost Dog Staff are also able to counsel distressed callers.
Battersea Lost Dogs Line 0901 477 8477
4 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4AA
The Line operates from 8am-8pm seven days a week. Calls are charged at 60p per minute.
- National Canine Defence League
http://www.ncdl.org.uk
17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ
Tel: 0171 837 0006
- National Pet Register
Thorpe Underwood Hall, Ouseburn, York YO5 9SZ
Tel: 0700 0800 123
- Pet Detective
http://www.petdetective.co.uk/
A UK pet recovery site
- PetMatch
http://www.petmatch.co.uk/
24 Hour Information Line: 0800 0725 999
Email: info@petmatch.co.uk
- Petsearch UK
http://www.ukpetsearch.freeuk.com/
851 Old Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands B92 8JE
or Longhouse, 35 Church Lane, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 7EF
Tel. 0121 743 4133
Email: Ukpetsearch@freeuk.com
- RSPCA
http://www.rspca.org.uk/
RSPCA Headquarters, Wilberforce Way, Horsham, RH13 9RS
Tel: 0870 55 55 999 (24 hour national cruelty and advice line)
- Scottish SPCA
http://www.scottishspca.org/
Braehead Mains, 603 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh, EH4 6EA
Tel: 0131 339 0222
email: enquiries@scottishspca.org
As well as registering your lost pet, contact your local dog warden, police, animal rescue centres and veterinary surgeries. Ask your postman and milkman to look out for your pet, as well as putting up posters in local shops and schools.
