Give your pets the most important gift of all this Christmas

Pet owners in Melton and Moorabool are being urged to make sure their furry family members’ microchip is up to date this holiday season.

The Lost Dogs’ Home warns December and January are traditionally the busiest time of the year with holiday plans, parties and time spent away from our pets all increasing the risk of our pets escaping properties.

Spokesperson Suzana Talevski said now is the time to make sure your pet is microchipped and even just as important to make sure the microchip is updated to your current address and phone number.

‘’We are encouraging all pet owners to start the holiday season by making sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date,“ said Ms Talevski.

“Christmas is a time for family, good friends, good times and all those things involve our pets.

“We know how much Australians value the bond they have with their pets so let’s all get together and make sure all our family members are home for Christmas this year.“

The home’s admissions department has seen a 31 per cent increase in animals arriving with a microchip compared to the previous year.

“It’s pleasing that the message is starting to get through but there are still too many without one. It is extremely difficult to reunite a pet with its family without one,“ said Ms Talevski.

“We are however pleased that we have also seen a 72 per cent increase in the last five years.“