Microchipping
Reuniting a lost pet with their owner is a very rewarding experience. It becomes of even greater importance if the pet has also suffered an injury. Microchipping provides a permanent and inexpensive form of identification for the life of your pet that cannot be lost. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected beneath the skin over the shoulders. This can be done during a consultation or whilst the pet is under anaesthesic eg. during desexing. Once the chip has been implanted, the animal does not seem to be aware of its presence.
The microchip number is registered along with your details at Central Animal Records (C.A.R.). They are available to help you recover your pet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in Australia. A collar and tag are also worthwhile and allow you to attach a tag as proof of microchipping showing C.A.R.’s phone number.
The Pound, RSPCA and vets will scan every stray for a microchip. We are delighted when we can quickly find an owner.
In the ACT, as of 1 May 2008 it is compulsory for all dogs and cats to be microchipped at point of sale. A three year phasing in period has been granted for dogs already homed in the ACT. It will be compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped in the ACT by 30 April 2011.
As of 1 May 2008 all cats in the ACT are to be microchipped. Dog registration is now for their lifetime.The ACT Government website has more information on microchipping dogs and cats. In NSW, all dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered on the NSW Companion Animal Register. (Working dogs can register at no cost, subject to certain conditions).
NSW Government has more information on their NSW Companion Animal pages There are significant registration savings if your pet is desexed.
See also Doggy Doos and Don'ts.
Next: Screening Blood Tests
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