What is a microchip?
A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip itself is about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted just under the skin, between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet’s neck.
How does it work?
Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner. The microchip number is recorded on a database registry with details about the animal and owner. Should your pet stray or become lost, vets, animal shelters and local councils can scan your pet for a microchip and contact you via the database.
Some states including Queensland now enforce mandatory microchipping of all domestic animals.
It is an extremely common and safe procedure. You must get your pet microchipped at an authorised implanter which is usually your local veterinary clinic.
It is very important to keep your contact details up to date on the database so that if you move house or change your phone number you will still be contactable in the event of your pet becoming lost/stray.
Ideally your pet cat or dog should be microchipped prior to you purchasing or adopting your pet. This is the only way to effectively trace the origin of the cat/dog. However, if your pet is not yet microchipped then we recommend that you make an appointment to do so with your vet (even in those states where microchipping is not yet compulsory).
If a pet is transferred to a new owner, the new owner must ensure their contact details are recorded on the database.
Please note that tag registration and microchip registration with the National Pet Register is not the same as council registration. This will have to be done separately. Please contact your local council for more information.