Pet Microchips are passive-radio-frequency-identification tags (RFIDs). Basically they are a microchip that carries an unique number that transmits this number when activated by the presence of a scanner. The tag is wrapped in an inert plastic shell that stops the animal reacting to it. It is placed under the skin with a specialised applicator, like a large syringe and needle.

The Police, RSPCA, Dog Warden and all veterinary practices have access to scanners to scan stray pets. There is a national database that stores the owner’s details alongside the unique number so if that chip number is reported to them the owner’s can be contacted.

Chipped CAT FOUND 350 Miles from Home!

Gallagher a cat from Hampshire went walkabout in 2002 and turned up 350 miles from home.

It seems that Gallagher had jumped into a vehicle and hitch-hiked his way to Teeside. His owner Rachael was devastated when he went missing. Gallagher has feline asthma and requires daily treatment which only added to her concern for his safety.

She took out ads in her local papers and even visited a local psychic! Thankfully she had already done the most important thing and had Gallagher microchipped - so when RSPCA officers found him wandering the streets they were able to trace his owner and get him home.

Rachael said “The reason I had him chipped was because he always wandered off. He is a right mad character but I love him to bits. I missed him so much.”

DOG and owner reunited after seven years!

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has reunited a pooch with its owner after seven years.

Lyn O'Byrne's Lurcher, Rhia, was stolen from the veterinary practice where she worked in Kent in January 2001.

Since then she has moved to Brighouse in West Yorkshire and thought her beloved dog was lost forever.

But last November the veterinary nurse got a call from the Lost Dogs and Cats Line to say they had a dog registered to her address.

Lyn could only be identified because of the microchip implanted under her skin 7 years earlier.

"When I received the call I didn't twig why the Lost Dogs and Cats Line were calling me. I thought it might be something to do with my work," she said.

"When they said they had a dog at Battersea called Rhia, registered to my name and address I literally collapsed on the floor."

Lyn travelled to Battersea and was reunited with Rhia, who she said was in good health apart from appearing a little underweight with a few cuts and bruises.

Scott Craddock, from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: "We are hoping Lyn's happy ending encourages more people to get their pet microchipped and update their details if they move."