Microchipping

Microchipping is a permanent form of identification for your pet. Inserting a microchip is like a vaccination, it only takes a few seconds. The procedure is very safe and your pet will feel little pain. Once done, your pet’s details, your contact address and phone numbers are entered on a national database.

As of the 1st of July 2018, all cats and dogs older than 12 weeks of age in South Australia must be implanted with an identification microchip.

Collars can fall off or be removed and details on pet tags can fade or become outdated. Inserting a microchip means your pet can be easily identified by a ranger, animal shelter or veterinarian regardless of the situation. Once identified, you can be contacted immediately and informed of the location of your pet.

If your pet has been stolen and then later recovered, ownership of your pet can be challenged. Microchipping is the only way you can prove ownership of your pet (and yes this does happen).

If your pet is ever lost, a ranger, animal shelter or veterinarian anywhere in Australia can scan your pet for the microchip and access your contact details. The only way that you may not become reunited with your lost pet is if you don’t contact the register when you have changed your address or contact phone numbers. If you are not sure who your pet is registered with, you can find out through Pet Address at www.petaddress.com.au

Microchips are implanted by veterinary practices and can be done safely without an anaesthetic. Just call us today to make an appointment for your pet’s microchip implant and registration.

We use Lifechip Bio Thermo microchips – the first and only microchip that provides instant identification plus non-invasive body temperature measurement in seconds. The great news is, if your pet has one of these microchips implanted, we no longer need to use a thermometer for routine check-ups and your pet will no longer cringe at the sight of our examination room.

If you change address or telephone number, it is your responsibility to contact the appropriate registry to update your contact details.

An important message for pet owners who have recently moved from NSW

Pets with a microchip implanted in NSW are required by law to be registered on a state based register known as the NSW “Companion Animal Registry” (see  www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au). This state based database is not linked to any national register. It is not compulsory in NSW to register a pet’s microchip on a national registry. Therefore if you have recently moved from NSW to our state we strongly recommend checking www.petadress.com.au to see if your pet has been registered on a national database. If your pet’s details are not recognised, please contact a national register such as Central Animal Records (details above) and complete a registration form. A fee does apply. If you do not know your pet’s microchip number and visit our practice please contact us for more information.