PET owners are being urged to get them microchipped to make it easier to have them returned if they go missing.

The call comes from Fenland District Council to mark National Microchipping Month, a campaign run by Petlog, a national database that holds microchip details.

Last year the council received 134 reports of lost dogs, of which only 48 were chipped.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for the environment, said: “It is very upsetting when a much-loved pet goes missing, so we’re encouraging all dog owners to get them chipped to help reunite them.

“Owners should also ensure the microchip details are up to date.”

Microchips are small capsules that are implanted under a pet’s skin. Lost pets that are taken to vets, kennels or animal shelters or collected by the council’s stray dog service are scanned to check ownership.

The details on the microchips are registered on Petlog’s database.

Most pets can be chipped, including dogs, cats and rabbits. Microchipping is available at local vets, pet stores and animal shelters.

Throughout June Pets at Home in Wisbech is providing the service every day for £10 per pet.

New laws are due to be introduced in 2016 to make it compulsory for dog owners to get their pets chipped and ensure that their details are kept up to date.