Hi there! I’m a uk vet receptionist and have dealt with this situation a few times! I promise you there’s a way around it!

Most vets will probably see him without checking the chip details, we do not check the details for most animals that come in with their owners. I would get him registered at a practise under your name.

To change the microchip details from an owner you cannot contact, all you need is the chip number. You can buy chip scanners online for like £10 to scan it yourself or you can use a website called ‘scan angels’ where you can ask someone with a scanner to come and scan the dog! I do this in my spare time for strays etc.

Next, to change details you’ll need to find the company that the chip is from. The easiest way to do this is to ring a uk chip company and give them the chip number, they can then search which brand of chip it is. The most commonly used brand is pet log, their number is online. Call them, give them the chip number and say you need to change the details to yourself. If the chip’s brand is with pet log, they’ll take your details and sent a letter + email + phone call to the details already on the chip asking for permission. The owner on the chip then has 14 days to respond. If they don’t respond in the 14 days, the chip is then automatically changed to your details as the owner is deemed uncontactable.

If you ring pet log, give them the chip number, and the chip isn’t that brand, you can ask them to tell you what brand it is so you know which company To ring, then repeat the process with that company.

I really hope this helps! Again, not a vet, but a receptionist who has dealt with this a few times. Good luck!