When a beloved pet goes missing it can be a stressful time for owners, but microchipping plays a big part in helping them return home.

Four-year-old cat Lola went missing for six months but was reunited with her owner Brian Miller due to her microchipping.

Mr Miller said he felt relieved when Lola was found after she went missing from a Port MacDonnell home while he was away with co-owner Lynda Butcher on the west coast.

When Mr Miller and Ms Butcher were away on another holiday in Berri, Ms Butcher’s daughter received a photo of a cat from someone asking if it was Lola, however, they were unsure due to other similar lost cats.

“I sort of knew it was her because I have had her since she was a kitten, but we were 450km away,” Mr Miller said.

“The first thing I said was get her to a vet and have them check the microchip and then we will know for sure if it is her or not.

“That is the most important thing, we could not do it ourselves but we could find out from a long way away that it was our cat.”

South East Animal Welfare League Operations Coordinator Marica Perkovic said microchipping an animal was the first thing owners should do.

If the animal is from a rescue organisation or registered breeder, the animal will already be microchipped.

Microchips contain details to identify the animal and the owner, which helps reunite lost pets with their owners and reduces shelter numbers.

Ms Perkovic also emphasised the importance of desexing animals to prevent unwanted litters and backyard breeding, which she said was notorious in the region.

Desexing also extends an animal’s lifespan, reduces shelter numbers and can prevent many behavioural issues.

Since July 2018, it has been compulsory to have dogs and cats desexed and microchipped after six months of age.