10% of dogs not microchipped, research reveals

Around 10% of dogs do not have a microchip, new research reveals.

The research by Direct Line Pet Insurance shows that there are currently more than 800,000 dogs whose details have not been kept up to date.

It has been a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped since 2016 and failing to do so could result in a fine for owners of up to £500.

The research shows collective fines could reach £525m, along with the risk of criminal prosecution.

Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “With the staggering number of dogs still not microchipped, there is a real risk of thousands of loved pets going missing and potentially not being returned to their owners.”