News

One in four dog owners aged over 50 are unaware that from the 6 April all dogs over eight weeks old legally need to be micro-chipped, according to research by Saga Pet Insurance*.

Saga estimates that more than five million over 50s own a dog** and while the majority of these people already have their dog micro-chipped, some 6% say their four-legged friends don’t currently have one.

Kevin McMullan, Head of Pet Insurance at Saga, commented: “Whilst we offer customers £250 to advertise a lost pet, micro-chipping your dog has always been a great way to reunite you with your hound so it is great that this is now a legal requirement. However, it is worrying that so many are unaware of this change in law as people could face up to a £500 fine.”
Saga is contacting its pet insurance customers to remind them to get their dog micro-chipped if it does not already have one.

ENDS

Notes to Editors
*Populus interviewed 9,539 Saga customers, all aged 50 and over, online between 16th and 22nd February 2016. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
**According to data from TGI
*** Populus interviewed 9,399 Saga customers, all aged 50 and over, online between 22nd and 29th September 2015.

About Saga Pet Insurance
Saga Pet Insurance is designed for people aged 50 and over. It offers a wide range of cover including:

• Cover for unexpected vet fees, up to £5,000 depending on the level of cover you choose
• Third party liability up to £2 million (for dogs only)
• Holiday cancellation expenses if you have to cancel your holiday due to your pet becoming ill
• Advertising and reward costs if your pet becomes lost
• Travel costs if your pet is referred to a specialist