Hefty fines in store for London pet owners as 33% choose not to microchip, despite recent law change.
London has been named as the region least likely to microchip their pets, as one-third (33%) of owners claim to not have chipped their cat or dog, despite the legal requirement to do so which recently extended to cats.
The findings are revealed as part of a new national survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners conducted by Frontline. Data from the survey sparks concern for pets across the region:
- In addition to 33% opting not to microchip, nearly a quarter (23%) claim to have not neutered their pet – something which can prevent many health concerns and help with animal control.
- 81% believe that they could feed their pets a better diet, while 77% feel that they could be giving their pet more in the way of exercise and enrichment – 20% higher than the national average.
The data is a cause for concern considering the number of pets residing in London, which was recently revealed as the pet capital of the UK with 46% of households sharing their space with a dog and 44% owning cats.
Those who choose not to microchip their pets face fines of up to £500 if they are caught and are also putting their pet’s safety at risk if they ever become lost or stolen. While the percentage of pet owners opting against chipping sits at 33% in London, the national average is significantly lower at 17%, highlighting the extent of the problem.
Despite this finding, 90% of pet owners in London believe that they follow the recommended veterinary advice for their pets – something which contradicts much of the survey data suggesting that many owners may not be aware of the potential risks associated with their pet care practices.
Microchipping cats in England has been a legal requirement as of 10th June this year, including those who are kept indoors. While some owners surveyed may have had a pet under the legal age (up to 8 weeks for dogs and 20 weeks for cats), the 33% referenced here only includes those who have no plans to microchip their pet once they are old enough.
Gov.uk states the cost of microchipping and registration to be around £25, with help often available from reputable charities and rescue organisations. This may be slightly higher in London, with respondents in the region claiming to spend an average of £92.60 on their pet each month, nearly £20 higher than the national average of £73.
Frontline’s survey data presents other potential risks for London’s pets such as being left unneutered (23%). As well as preventing unwanted pregnancies, which can be stressful for a cat or dog to experience, castrating or spaying pets also can have many health benefits such as reducing the risk of some infectious diseases and antisocial behaviours.
Neutering also helps to manage animal populations, with the RSPCA recently reporting its largest rehoming challenge to date, experiencing a 6% increase in the number of dogs taken into its care and a 4% increase in the number of cats between 2021 and 2022.
Confidence levels are fairly low across the region in terms of common pet care practices. The majority of respondents from the capital city (81%) feel that they could feed their pets a better diet, while 77% feel that they should be giving their pet more exercise and enrichment.
Additionally, Londoners particularly find knowing what to look for on pet food and care product labels confusing at 68%, compared to the national average of 56%. Similarly, 45% struggle to remember things that are harmful or poisonous to their pet.
It is perhaps then unsurprising that Londoners were found to rely on the experts more than anywhere else in the UK. The region was found to be the most likely to immediately phone the vet if their pet appears unwell (70%), and least likely to take to the internet for advice (9%) which can often be unreliable.
Even if you think you know what’s wrong with your pet, many symptoms can have multiple causes. It’s always best to consult a veterinary professional if your pet seems unwell.
To read more of Frontline’s survey findings, head to the brand’s blog for an in-depth look at the behaviours and attitudes of pet parents across the UK.
