A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under your pet’s skin, usually on their back near the shoulders. It can be done during a normal consultation. The microchip is embedded with a code unique to your pet and is the most effective form of permanent identification. This code is placed onto a national computer database, so it is particularly useful in the return of lost pets. They can also assist where the ownership of an animal is in dispute.
In Western Australia it is compulsory for cats to be microchipped by 6 months of age and dogs to be microchipped by 3 months old.
If you move address or change your contact details, make sure you update your pet’s entry on the pet registry.
To check which registry your pet belongs to, enter their microchip number on the Pet Addresswebsite, then follow the links to the registry website.
***Please note – if your pet came from NSW, other states are unable to see their microchip registry. If so, you must register your pet to an Australia wide registry, such as the Australasian Animal Registry (AAR).
If a pet is ever lost and is handed in at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter a microchip scanner is passed over the animal to reveal the unique code. The vet or animal shelter can then refer to the database to identify the name, address and phone number of the owner, so they can be reunited.
