Nearly half of the South East’s dog owners are putting their pooches at risk by not updating their pet’s microchips when they move home, according to an animal charity.

A survey carried out by the Dogs Trust reveals that 40 per cent of the South East’s dog owners admit they do not update their pet’s microchips each time they move home.

The research showed that more than 10 per cent had their dog stray after a property move, with a third admitting their pooch left within just 48 hours of being in the new area.

Nearly 30 per cent waited a month to update vital information on the chip after settling into a new place, making it even harder to reunite owners with their animals after they have been picked up by a local authority.

Furthermore, 75 per cent of dog owners in the South East are unaware that they only have seven days to recover a missing dog from a local authority before he/she is rehomed or potentially put to sleep – proving just how vital it is to update pets’ address details as soon as possible.

Trevor Cooper, Dogs Trust dog law specialist, said: “The first week of a house move is such a crucial time for our pets.

“Our research shows 42 per cent of dog owners in the South East have experienced their canines straying within seven days after a move.

“Of those found, half informed us their dogs travelled back to their old home, suggesting that they craved familiar surroundings.

“To help avoid stressful situations during what is actually an exciting new chapter, we wish for all dog owners to ensure that updating microchips is brought to the top of their priority list.”

Adrian Burder, CEO of Dogs Trust said: “Losing a dog is an extremely upsetting time for both dog and dog owner, incorrect address details can only intensify an already very stressful moment.

“We encourage all dog owners who have recently moved to update their dogs’ microchip details; you can do it online, by telephone or by post.”

Along with microchipping, updating dogs’ microchips with the correct details will be compulsory in England by April 2016.

To find out more information on microchip databases and how to update a microchip, please visit www.chipmydog.org.uk/update-your-dogs-chip/