Make Sure It's A Good Summer For Your Dog This Year - National Microchipping Month - August 2004 Following the success of last year's National Microchipping Month, the Kennel Club will be co-ordinating the second National Microchipping Month in August. The campaign will be run throughout the United Kingdom to encourage and promote responsible pet ownership through microchipping as the preferred method of permanent identification.

Back in the pet calendar due to popular demand, this important campaign hopes to ensure customers are aware of the importance of microchipping their pets so should their pet go missing over the long hot summer days reunification is an option when the pet is found. It is also an ideal time to highlight the importance to customers of keeping their details up to date on the national database and this campaign will be highlighting the possible problems that could occur if a lost pet is found and its owner cannot be traced.

The campaign will run nationwide with the support of Rescue Centres, Vets, Dog Wardens, Pet Shops and Kennels who will be setting up Microchipping Clinics. Microchipping and promotions will also be taking place at dog shows and events throughout August. Scanning Clinics, organised by authorised users (vets and dog wardens etc.) will be available to help owners check their data entries via the Petlog website, www.petlog.org.uk. The Petlog website holds information on over 2 million microchipped animals and up to date owner details which can be viewed by authorised users and owners 24 hours a day.

Said Caroline Kisko, Secretary to the Kennel Club; "We were delighted with all the support National Microchipping Month received last year from the microchip companies and also the many charities and other organisations involved. National Microchipping Month hopes to spread the message of the importance of pet identification and is part of the Kennel Club's long term aim of promoting responsible dog ownership. All involved in this important campaign have the same aim and it is great to see everyone working together in order to achieve increased awareness of this message."

Caroline Kisko continued; "Microchipping ensures that should a dog be found straying, it can be easily reunited with its owner in minimum time ensuring less stress to both the animal and of course the owner. The ease of reunification is increased even further for Petlog Plus customers who can activate a 'lost pet alert' through the use of SMS text which in turn alerts Dog Wardens, Veterinary Surgeons and Rescue Centres within an approximate 30 mile radius from where the pet was lost, helping to ensure even easier, faster and effective reunification with their beloved pet. This is just one of the many benefits that has made the Kennel Club decide to promote microchipping through a designated month."

For further information visit www.petlog.org.uk. If you have any questions or would like to be involved please contact Diane Simotas on 020 7518 1003 or email dsimotas@the-kennel-club.org.uk

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