14/10/2025
📢 Notice to Clients: Update on Our Stray Animal Policy at Bishop Stortford Vets and all partner branches
Due to a recent increase in the number of stray animals being brought to our practice, we have updated our policy regarding the acceptance of strays.
🚨Emergency Treatment
We will continue to provide emergency veterinary care to any stray animal brought to us in need of urgent treatment. Upon arrival, the animal will be scanned for a microchip, and we will make every effort to contact the registered owner if details are available.
✅If the Animal is Microchipped
* If the owner is contactable and able to collect the animal promptly, we are happy to hold the stray at the practice until they arrive.
* If the owner cannot be reached or is unable to collect the animal in a timely manner, we will advise the finder to contact a local rescue centre or the local dog warden.
❌If the Animal is Not Microchipped
* The finder will be advised to take the animal to the nearest animal rescue centre or contact the local dog warden.
* For healthy, uninjured stray cats that are not microchipped, we will ask that they are released back to the location where they were found, unless there is an immediate welfare concern.
📌 Important Legal Reminder
As of June 2024, under the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations, it is a legal requirement for all owned cats and dogs to be microchipped. This law aims to improve the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners and reduce the number of untraceable strays.
Please understand that while animal welfare remains our highest priority, we do not have the capacity to house strays long-term. Additionally, due to the unknown health and vaccination status of stray animals, we cannot risk potential exposure to our vulnerable, hospitalised patients💙
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
📞Useful Contacts
Dependant on the location the animal is found please see the numbers below:
Herts - (SKD Environmental : 03444828320)
Uttlesford - (Uttlesford council : 01799510510)