Microchipping your dogs and cats keeps them safe and means you can be reunited much quicker if your pet is lost or stolen.
What is microchipping?
Microchipping is a quick, safe and simple procedure and is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip is very small, about the size of a grain of rice, and is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet’s neck.
How does microchipping work?
Each microchip has a unique number that can be read with a scanner, like how a barcode is read at the supermarket. No personal information is stored on the microchip – only the unique identification number. The owner’s information is stored on the NSW Companion Animal Register where only authorised agents can access the information. It’s important that you keep the details on the microchip up to date so you can be identified as your cat or dog’s owner.
When should my dog or cat be microchipped?
NSW dog and cat owners are required to have their animals microchipped by 12 weeks of age, at point of sale, or change of ownership, whichever occurs first.
Does the microchip require any updates?
You will need to update the microchip details if you change:
- Address, including state
- Telephone numbers
- Ownership
You can update your pet’s details at the NSW Pet Registry or over the counter at your local council. The NSW Pet Registry enables lost pets to be reunited with their owners.
The register allows cat and dog owners to:
- Create an owner profile.
- Update their contact details.
- Transfer ownership of pets.
- Report their pet as missing.
- Pay most lifetime registration fees online.
Penalties apply for non-compliance.