The Association of Microchip Database Operators has launched the Single Point of Search (SPoS) microchip portal, which will make it easier for vets to reunite lost or stray pets with owners.
It follows measures announced by Defra in 2024 to streamline access to microchip records.
Currently there are more than 20 separate national microchipping databases, neither of which share data with one another, which the British Veterinary Association said makes it logistically very difficult for its members to reunite lost or stray pets with owners.
The first phase of SPoS will give vets and their team free access to pet and keeper details across five existing microchip databases – Chipworks, Identi, MyPet, Petlog and PETtrac – with more databases expected to be added in the future.
BVA said that this will help practices check multiple databases quickly, reunite cats and dogs with their owners faster, and provide prompt treatment where needed.
