CHIPS FOR FREE!

The Law is changing and owners have until 10 June 2024 to microchip their cat. Microchipping cats will help reunite thousands of lost or stray pets every year. There are over 12.5 million pet cats in England, with as many as 2.3 million unchipped and rescue organisations like us know only too well how hard it is to reunite them with their owner if they get lost or stolen. The new rules mean cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. Failure to do so could ultimately result in a fine of up to £500. Find out more about microchipping here.

As a Charity we are committed to helping owners who are in financial hardship and keeping pets in their homes, wherever possible. We are therefore offering a series of FREE CAT MICROCHIPPING SESSIONS in our area over the next few months. These are available to cat owners who are in receipt of benefits. On 27th January we ran our first session at our Gravesend Shop. Emma, our Animal Welfare Officer is trained to implant microchips and she was ably assisted by Lin and Chantelle from Canterbury RSPCA Branch. Val, the Gravesend Shop Manager had prepared a safe space for the cats to be checked over and microchipped. We microchipped 14 cats as a few of the people who had booked slots did not attend on the day. We found that quite a few of these were unneutered and so we are now helping to get this done on our Branch Neutering Scheme. We also came across some other welfare concerns which we were able to help with. It was a very worthwhile day thanks to all of those who made it happen. We will be arranging a session for Dartford next. If you would like to book a slot email emma.byrne@rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk

Finally a reminder to all owners who have pets that are already microchipped – make sure that your details are up to date, including a current phone number. A microchip is only as good as the information it relates to.