An award-winning pet store is encouraging cat owners to get their pets microchipped ahead of new legislation coming into force next month, and has set up a fundraising campaign to offer a free service.

Redpaw Pet Supplies in Plympton, Devon, is offering owners heavily reduced priced microchipping drop-in clinics in conjunction with Devon K9 Clinic.

Owner Sammie Hunt said: “Many owners are still unaware that the law is changing this year and from June 10 all owners must have their cat microchipped or face a fine of up to £500.

“The government has introduced this new legislation to make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home sagely. There are some 9 million pet cats in the UK and over 2.3 million are unchipped.”

Redpaw Pet Supplies and Devon K9 Clinic are charging £5 to microchip a cat compared to most establishments where the charge is between £10-£20. 

Sammie recognises some owners can’t even afford the £5 charge and would like to offer the microchipping for free, so she has set up a Just Giving crowdfunding page.

“We would like to appeal to people and businesses around the UK to donate what they can,” added Sammie. “Every donation would provide support for cat owners on low incomes to be able to have a free microchip implemented into the dearly loved cat. For every £5 donation we receive, we can microchip one cat.” 

The just giving crowdfunding page can be found by clicking here

Ther next drop-in clinic is on May 15.

Redpaw Products

E: redpawproducts@yahoo.co.uk  

W: www.redpawpets.co.uk

T: 07752230462