* MICROCHIPPING
When someone acquires a new puppy or kitten they are often inundated with information from various sources. The breeder or pet shop has their information to give, the vet has their information, and then neighbours, friends and people that you meet in the street are also often keen to pass on their views. One thing that can easily get overlooked is ensuring that your pet’s microchipping and registration are completed. This is a three-step process.

Firstly your pet needs to be microchipped, so that they can be clearly identified. The NSW Companion Animals Act requires that all dogs and cats are to be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, or sooner if they are being sold or given away. The microchip itself is a silicone chip that is about the size of an uncooked grain of rice, and is injected under the pet’s skin between their shoulder blades. It stays there forever and doesn’t usually move or cause any problems. Each microchip has a unique number encoded on it, so no two pets have the same microchip number.

Next, the owner provides details so that they are contactable in the case of their pet being found. These details are usually recorded on a form that is completed at the time of implanting the microchip, and are recorded on the NSW Companion Animals Register. We regularly have stray pets brought in to us who have escaped in a thunderstorm, or who have been in an accident. When their owner’s details are correct on the registry it is a very simple act to contact them and everyone is happy. It often happens however, that the details on the registry are not changed from the breeder’s details, or the owners move house, or a pet is sold or given away to someone else. In these instances it becomes very difficult to reunite a pet with their owner. So, if you do change your contact details, it is important to notify your local council, or a form can be completed at your vet clinic.

The third step is registration of your pet with your local council. All pets must be registered by 6 months of age, and in order to be registered they must be microchipped. It is much cheaper to register a desexed dog or cat.

This whole process sounds rather laborious, but in reality it can be completed quickly and easily, and once it is done we can all rest easily that lost pets will be quickly reunited with their owners.