DOG owners in Bromsgrove are being offered the chance to get their pets microchipped for free in a bid to help dogs get returned to their families if they do go missing.

A recent national survey found that more than half the nation’s dogs have run off at least once in the past, and although new rules are being brought in next year to ensure that all dogs are microchipped, many dog owners still aren’t aware that it will be compulsory from April 6 2016, with one in five not having their dogs microchipped.

After the changes, dog owners could be fined up to £5,000 if their dog isn’t wearing a collar and tag in public.

The Blue Cross Rehoming Centre in Bromsgrove if offering to make sure all dogs are microchipped, so they can be safely returned if they’re found.

Robbi Chaudhuri, deputy manager at Blue Cross in Bromsgrove, said: “It is important to teach your dog to come back to you when called and make sure it wears a tag and is microchipped, which will help increase the chances of you being reunited if they become lost. It also means you will be fully compliant with the law in time for the new regulations about microchipping coming into force.

“So many animals arrive at our centre as strays but they have clearly been cared for and could be much-loved and much missed pets. Their owners could be missing them if they are lost but without a microchip there is no way we can trace them. They are cared for by Blue Cross until loving new homes are found.”

To arrange to have a dog microchipped, contact the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre in Bromsgrove for an appointment on 0300 7771540 or write to bromsgrove@bluecross.org.uk.