Microchipping and registration safeguards your pet as it is the best method for identifying lost or stolen cats and dogs. Both are mandatory requirements under the Companion Animals Act 1998, which was last updated in July 2019.
A microchip is a subcutaneous full duplex electronic radio transponder, which is implanted underneath the skin of a dog or cat, in between the shoulder blades, to help identify them. Modern microchips are about the size of a grain of rice, and do not store the personal information of an owner, but rather a unique 15-digit identification number.
Microchipping is a simple procedure and can be done at a routine visit to Mosman Vet. If we microchip your animal, we are able to enter the details into the NSW Companion Animals Register on the day. This means that if they go missing, other vets or pounds will be able to contact you immediately.
In NSW, all dogs and cats must be microchipped either before 12 weeks of age, or before being sold or re-homed (whichever comes first). This being the case, most pets will already have a microchip when you get them. When you get your new pet, ensure that the seller has changed over the pet’s details to your name. This can be done with a simple council form.
New puppies and kittens must be registered with your local council by 6 months of age. Registration is different to microchipping, and is processed through your local council. You only need to register your pet once with council. There is a fee attached to registration, but this is heavily discounted if your pet is desexed. Remember to bring your pet’s desexing/sterilisation certificate with you to council when registering your pet to claim this reduced charge.
