As pet owners one of our biggest worries is that our furry friend will become lost. For this reason, ensuring that your pet is microchipped is very important, as a lost pet that is microchipped is far more likely to be reunited with his family than a pet who is not.
What is it?
A microchip is a rice grain-sized chip that is implanted under your pet’s skin at the back of his neck. Each chip has a unique identification number. That number is registered on a database and gives details about the pet and his owner. Vets, animal shelters or councils can then read that information using a scanner. Microchipping is mandatory for cats and dogs in Queensland.
Keep it up to date
If your contact details change, such as you change address or your pet goes to a new home, it’s important to ensure these details are changed on the database. If you’re not sure which database your pet is registered with you can head to www.petaddress.com.au and enter your pet’s chip number. The website will direct you to the database which stores your pet’s microchip details. There are several registries around Australia that manage these databases. The are Petsafe, Australasian Animal Registry, Central Animal Records, Pet Register, HomeSafeID and the NSW Companion Animal Registry.
How is it done?
Microchipping is a really simple, safe and quick procedure that is performed by a vet. Ideally your puppy and kitten should already be microchipped when you adopt them. If they are not, get straight to your vet to get it done and get them on the register.
