A microchip is a tiny computer chip about the size of a grain of rice, which has an identification number programmed into it. The microchip is injected under the animal's skin between the shoulder blades.
To identify the animal, a scanner that reads microchip numbers is passed over the animal's skin. The scanned number can then be checked against a register, which has details of the animal's ownership.
All cats and dogs being registered with a Victorian local council for the first time must be microchipped before registration. You can be fined if you do not comply. Councils also have the power to require compulsory microchipping of all cats and dogs housed in their municipality. All cats and dogs aged 3 months and over must be registered with the local council.
It is a requirement to microchip all cats and dogs before they are sold or given away in Victoria.
Updating your details with the microchip registry is essential. This needs to be done if you move address or change your contact details.
There is a network of microchip readers located at local Councils, vet clinics and animal welfare organisations across Australia. These organisations routinely scan all animals presented to them as strays. Our experience is that this process very frequently results in reuniting those lost pets with their owners - sometimes even years later or in other States!
It is a legal requirement in Victoria to obtain a source number prior to implantation. If you do not provide a source number, a microchip cannot be implanted.
A source number is obtained from the Pet Exchange Registry per.animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
For more information on the pet exchange registry, go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/animal-welfare/pet-exchange-register
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