PETS go missing throughout the year, but it can be a particular problem during the festive season with the hustle and bustle in the run-up to Christmas and the loud bangs of fireworks at New Year. As a result, some pets flee their home, frightened and confused.

That's why leading veterinary charity PDSA is urging owners to microchip their dogs and cats. This simple and reasuring act dramatically improves their chances of being reunited with their beloved pets, should they go missing.

Sean Wensley, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA said: “Providing good identification is a key part of responsible pet ownership. If you become separated from your pet, this simple procedure can make the difference between your pet being lost permanently and a happy reunion.”

A microchip is PDSA’s recommended form of permanent identification and should be used together with a collar and tag. It is a harmless computer chip about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin of the pet in the same way as a vaccination injection. It is a permanent and tamper-proof way of proving that you are the owner of a pet. If the pet is found, the uniquely numbered chip can be scanned to access the information on the pet and its owner, ensuring the two are reunited.

PDSA has seen a 10% rise in the number of pets receiving treatment at its PetAid hospitals and branches in the past year. The charity will provide more than 1.8 million free treatments and more than 200,000 preventive treatments, such as vaccinations, neutering and microchipping this year. In addition, more than 36,000 pets are registered for PDSA-funded veterinary care through contracted PetAid practices.

In 2008, delivering PDSA PetAid services cost more than £48 million. The charity is funded entirely by public support; mainly donations, gifts in wills and through its charity shops.

To be eligible for PDSA care, a pet owner must be in receipt of either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit and live within the designated postcode catchment area of their local PDSA PetAid service. Potential and existing clients can obtain more information on PDSA PetAid services by phoning 0800 731 2502 or by visiting the charity’s website at www.pdsa.org.uk.