Microchipping: the only way to permanently identify your pet
January 13th, 2008Everyday, thousands of lost pets arrive at shelters around the country without any form of identification. A microchip enables a shelter to contact the owner immediately, saving stress for both the owner and pet.
So what is a microchip?
The microchip is a silicon encased chip about the size of a grain of rice that is injected under the skin. Each chip has a unique number that can be scanned with a special reader. Via this unique number the owner’s contact details can be retrieved from a database and you and your pet reunited. The National Pet Register is one of four databases in Australia that manages owner’s records.
In some Australian states legislation has made it compulsory for newly registered pets to be microchipped. This is the case in Victoria where it is compulsory for newly registered dogs and cats to be microchipped.
So if your pet is not currently microchipped please have it done as a priority. It only cost between $40-60, a small price to pay to guarantee your pet’s safe return home.
