I speak from painful experience. One of my friends has been looking for their stolen cat for 10 years, and one of my own cats has been missing for nearly 2 years. When I take my other pets to the vet, I've noticed that their microchips are never scanned, and no one ever attempts to confirm my identity. In theory, I could be anyone. I am deeply distressed to think of the many stolen or lost pets who thus lose their chance at being reunited with their rightful owners.

This is a widespread issue that affects countless pet owners. More than 250 000 pets are lost or stolen each year, and without proper ID, up to 90% of those never return home. Scanning a pet's microchip and comparing the information with the person's ID should be standard practice at all veterinary offices. This simple step could save so many pets from unnecessary suffering and their owners from heartbreak.

It is necessary to mandate the scanning of microchips and verification of owner details at all veterinary visits. This will help ensure that stolen or lost pets have a chance to be reunited with their true owners, and not adopted by strangers without a verification process. We urge the decision makers to enact necessary legislation, veterinary associations to develop guidelines for their members, and all pet owners to demand this essential change from their vets. It is a small step that can make a world of difference in reuniting lost pets with their rightful owners.

Please sign this petition and help reclaim our beloved pets' right to come back home.