Izzy

Izzy was reunited with her family three years after she went missing, thanks to her microchip

When the team at Middlesbrough PDSA Pet Hospital saw that a cat was booked in for a microchip appointment, they had no idea that they were about to solve a three-year mystery.

In May 2024, Izzy was brought to the Pet Hospital to get microchipped - to comply with the new cat microchipping legislation. The new rule makes it a legal requirement for all pet cats in England to be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age.

Nobody could believe it when the veterinary staff discovered that Izzy already had a microchip, and that she had been reported missing by her previous owner. Izzy’s current carer had taken her into their home in early 2023, but the adventurous kitty had left her original family all the way back in 2021!

Shortly after PDSA vets discovered Izzy’s identity, her original owner, Rachel Booth-Gardiner (41) an occupational therapist from Middlesborough, came to collect her old friend from the Pet Hospital – three years after she last saw her. “It was a total shock to get the call,” Rachel says. She had adopted Izzy, along with her brother Hugo, from RSPCA back in 2017 and was heartbroken when her cat ran out of the house one day and didn’t return.

Immediately after Izzy went missing, Rachel put up posters in the local area, posted on social media, and then reported her missing to the microchip company. Although initially relieved to receive the call from PDSA, Rachel says her first concern was Izzy’s wellbeing: “After being away for so long, I was worried that she wouldn’t settle back in at home,” she says. But after discussing it with her husband, the pair decided that bringing Izzy home was the best thing to do for her.

“It’s a joy to have her back,” Rachel says. Izzy was a huge part of her owners’ lives – especially during 2020 when Rachel had a long stay in hospital. “She’s always been my sidekick,” Rachel explains. Izzy also seemed happy to be reunited with her family as she wouldn’t stop her signature meow when the three of them met again. “I think she recognised me, and she definitely recognised Hugo,” Rachel recalls.

Having your pets microchipped gives you a much higher chance of finding them if they go missing. You should also update your contact details with the microchip company if you move house or change phone numbers. Microchipping is now mandatory for cats in England and dogs in the UK, but is also available for other pets like rabbits, horses, and tortoises who can also sometimes stray from home.

“Microchipping is a quick and fairly painless procedure (like an injection) for pets that implants an identification device the size of a grain of rice under your pet’s skin,” PDSA Vet Catherine Burke explains. “The device can then be scanned by vets, rescue centres, and other places that take in lost pets to contact their owners and reunite them as soon as possible.”

“It’s absolutely surreal to have Izzy back,” Rachel explains. “We gave her plenty of time and space to readjust back into her old routine. She was a bit apprehensive at first but very quickly, she was back to her old self again.”

Nobody likes to imagine their pet going missing, but if the worst were to happen – here’s what to do if your pet is missing.

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 48 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we helped over 388,000 pets. Without us, cases like Izzy's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for cats like Izzy without your support. Please consider donating today.

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