The Dutch government plans to make microcipping for household cats mandatory starting January 1, 2028. The Cabinet wants to sharply reduce the number of stray cats, as well as to make it easier for pets to be reunited with their owners, according to AD.

Around 62,500 cats go missing in the Netherlands every year, which Agriculture State Secretary Silvio Erkens thinks is far too many. The VVD politician said only about ten percent of the animals were found and taken in by animal welfare services, like Dierenbescherming, while the rest ended up on the streets.

On the other hand, since the introduction of a microchip requirement for dogs, Dierenbescherming has been able to reunite owners with 90 percent of dogs that have been found. Former Agriculture Minister Piet Adema from the ChristenUnie proposed such a plan for cats three years ago, but it was not implemented.

The microchip process involves implanting a small, passive transponder. A scanner is then able to read a unique number embedded in the transponder using radio waves. That number corresponds to data about a single animal.

“The chip requirement saves a great deal of suffering for the animals involved, because they no longer have to live on the street. But it is also better for their owners,” Erkens said. “You often have a special bond with your pet. You don’t want to loose that.”

Despite the chips, cats could still go missing and even die. the state secretary said. “But then at least you know that animal died because of the required chip,” he said. “That way, as an owner, you also close a chapter.” The requirement will only apply to newborn cats starting January 1, 2028.

“The responsibility for having the chips implanted lies with the owners,” Erkens said. “The plan is to have this done as soon as possible after cats are born. Veterarians will at least handle the registration.” Implementation will cost from 25 to 55 euros and will be reimbursed by the government.”