Microchipping

No one likes the thought of losing a pet and everyone wants to get their lost pet back as quickly as possible! While collars and tags are a great way to identify a pet, a permanent microchip is much better.

The microchips used to permanently identify pets are about the size of a grain of rice. They are implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades at the back of the pet’s neck. Each microchip has a unique 15 digit code that can be detected by passing a special microchip scanner over the area. This microchip number, along with your pet’s details and your contact details are kept on a secure microchip database registry.

When a pet is lost and presented to a vet clinic, animal shelter or local council pound, the animal is scanned for a microchip. With the microchip number identified, staff at these places can log onto the registry database and retrieve the pet’s details.

Is microchipping pets compulsory?

In most cases puppies and kittens are microchipped prior to being purchased. It is illegal to sell a puppy or kitten in Victoria without it being microchipped. Dogs or cats must be microchipped to be registered by the local councils.

Does having the microchip implanted hurt?

A microchip is implanted using a special large sterile, sharp needle inserted through the skin. It is a simple, safe and very quick procedure but some animals may find it a little uncomfortable. The pain associated with the procedure is minimal and very short-lived.

Where can I get my pet microchipped?

Only authorised microchip implanters are legally allowed to implant microchips in pets. All veterinarians, some veterinary nurses and some council staff have undergone the necessary training to become licenced to perform the procedure. To book your pet in to be microchipped simply give us a call.

Do only dogs and cats get microchipped?

While it is most common for dogs and cats to be microchipped we recommend most species of pets be implanted. Unfortunately every year we get a number of rabbits, ferrets, birds and even reptiles brought in to us as strays. If these pets were microchipped we could have them back to their owners very quickly.