As pet owners, one of the biggest fears is losing our beloved furry friends. This can happen during a walk if they slip their harness, if they escape the yard or through the front door. In any case, the thought of a lost pet can be heartbreaking and the most efficient way to ensure your family is reunited with your missing pet is through microchipping.
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping is a quick and minimally invasive procedure in which a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information in a national pet recovery database. Unlike collars or tags, which can fall off or become damaged, a microchip is a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost.
Why Microchip?
In Queensland all cats and dogs must be implanted with a microchip by the age of 12 weeks of age. Responsibility for microchipping is with the person selling or giving away the animal.
In addition to following Queensland legislation, microchipping your pet has many benefits including:
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Permanent and reliable identification
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Greatly improves the odds of your pet being returned to your family
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Proof of ownership
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Peace of mind
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A minimal cost for lifelong security
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Travel and boarding requirements
The Microchip Process
The process of getting your pet microchipped is straightforward and virtually painless. Most pets can receive a microchip during a routine visit to the vet, and it’s often done alongside other procedures like vaccinations or desexing. The chip is injected with a needle, much like a standard vaccination, and the process takes just seconds. Your pet may not even notice it’s happening, and there is no recovery time needed.
Important Information
MICROCHIPPING DOESN’T REPLACE TAGS OR COLLARS
While microchipping is essential, it does not replace the need for collars and tags. Collars and tags are important for immediate identification and should be worn at all times. The combination of a visible ID tag and a microchip ensures that your pet is easily identifiable, whether they’re found on the street or in a shelter.
MICROCHIPPING IS SEPARATE TO COUNCIL REGISTRATION
Please note that microchipping is different to council registration. Microchipping is a mandatory for cats and dogs, and Central Highlands Regional Council registration is mandatory for dogs. Please always check who your local council is and what their requirements are to ensure responsible pet ownership and local laws.
Please note that microchipping is different than registration with Council, but both are compulsory. Microchipping is a means of identifying your dog electronically by putting a microchip under the dog's skin.
For clients living in Central Highlands, please visit the Central Highlands Regional Council website for information on dog registration: https://chrc.qld.gov.au/residents/pets/register-my-dog/
Updating Microchip Details
It’s extremely important to keep your contact details up-to-date on your pet’s microchip. The following details should be updated if any changes:
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Mobile number
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Home address
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Change of ownership (new pet or pet going to new home)
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Alternative contact person
If you are unsure of which company your pet is microchipped with, you can search the microchip number at www.petaddress.com.au or come into the clinic for our friendly staff to help you find out which company. Once you know the microchip company, you can visit their website to update your details. Maraboon Vet Surgery uses Central Animal Records (CAR) when registering our implanted microchips. Most companies including CAR will have an online platform where you can create an account for your pets so you can check your pet and contact details! Other Queensland registries include Australasian Animal Registry (AAR), Global Micro Animal Registry and Petsafe.
Please note, any animals that are bought into Maraboon Vet Surgery cannot be held at the clinic if they are not microchipped during the lost and found process. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to check your pet is microchipped should they ever become lost for your local vet, council and community to help you reunite with your pet!
If you have any questions regarding microchipping, please call us on 07 4987 6800 where our friendly team can help you with any queries.