Pet professionals are being urged to add microchipping to the list of services they offer, as new rules are set to lead to a surge in demand for the procedure.

In December the Government announced new pet microchipping rules for cats, in a bid to crack down on stray or missing felines.

The new rules say that every kitten has to be microchipped before the age of 20 weeks, otherwise breeders and owners could face a £500 fine.

Qualification providers iPET Network, say that pet microchipping is a skill which existing businesses could easily add as a service, and that 2022 is the year to get qualified, as demand is set to be higher than ever.

Nationally more people brought home a new pet during the pandemic, with 59% of households now owning a pet up from 45% before Covid-19 lockdowns struck.

And with these new rules arriving with regard to cats, iPET Network bosses say that adding in microchipping should be a no-brainer for many businesses.

Sarah Mackay, co-director of iPET Network, said: "With these new regulations coming in for cats, the time to add in microchipping as a service has never been better.

"The qualification is inexpensive, and then you are up and running to start helping more people than ever be reunited with their precious pets."

The iPET Network microchipping course is regulated by Ofqual and DEFRA approved, and teaches learners how to carry out the procedure which is common in dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, and after they qualify they and their clients will have access to the Track Your Paws service, which includes a 24/7 manned phone line, assistance from pet detectives and ongoing efforts from the service to stamp out national loopholes which could put pets and owners at risk.

After the course participants are all registered and ready to operate as Track Your Paws implanters, and get unlimited free microchips to give their business a flying start.

Fern Gresty of iPET Network, said: "Getting this qualification will be a no-brainer for many existing pet businesses, and for some individuals it could be a brilliant revenue stream in a growth industry. Equally it will lighten the burden on overwhelmed veterinary services and ensure more animals are chipped.

"Being qualified gives a mark of quality, and as a nation of pet parents and pet lovers, that is what customers demand."

To find out more about iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk