When an animal is picked up by the RSPCA they are scanned to find out if they are microchipped. Sadly too often the animal is not chipped so there is no way of knowing where the animal came from, and even more frustrating for inspectors is when the animal is chipped but the details are out of date. It is important for anyone with a microchipped pet to remember if they move house to update their details with PetLog or a happen reunion will not be possible.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer, Ian Pethick, who reunited Tommy with the Coopers said: "It is one of the best parts of the job when you pick up an animal that has been rescued or injured to find they are microchipped. People are often in tears they are so overjoyed to hear we have found their animal and it is safe in our care.

Sadly the greatest majority of animals we collect are not chipped but I hope that there will be a surge in pet owners getting their animals chipped during microchip month. It is also a good time to remind people that if you move during your pets lifetime then you must remember to contact PetLog advising your new details. I have picked up animals before and the delight to find they are chipped turns to dismay when the details are out of date."

Microchipping is a quick and painless procedure where a small chip, the size of a grain of rice, is inserted underneath the animal's skin.

The owner's details and a special code are stored on the chip and can be revealed by a scanner which is routinely used by RSPCA inspectors, dog wardens and vets.

The code links to the PetLog database that contains the necessary contact information to ensure a fast and foolproof way of tracing an owner.

Around half a million animals have been microchipped in the last five years.

Contact your vet or local branch of the RSPCA for more details (www.rspca.org.uk). There are lots of events taking place this month during national microchipping month, again contact your local RSPCA branch or PetLog to find out more ( www.petlog.org.uk )