Microchipping

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under your pet’s skin, usually on their back near the shoulders. It can be done during a normal consultation. The microchip is embedded with a code unique to your pet and is the most effective form of permanent identification. This code is placed onto a national computer database, so it is particularly useful in the return of lost pets. They can also assist where the ownership of an animal is in dispute. In some states of Australia microchipping of pets is now compulsory.

If a pet is ever lost and is handed in at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, a special microchip scanner is passed over the animal to reveal the unique code, usually 15 digits long. The vet or animal shelter can then refer to the secure database to identify your pets name and details, along with the owners address and phone number, so they can be reunited.

It is imperative if you move your address or change your contact details, make sure you update your pet’s entry on the pet registry.  There are a number of registries in Australia and if you have your pet's microchip, you can use The Pet Address search engine, which allows you to search for the microchip number of a pet in various animal databases.

Simply type the microchip number in the search field at Petaddress; then click to search. If your number is found in one of the databases, you will be directed to the database for further information.

We use Central Animal Records for all the microchips we implant, Central Animal Records.  If you are unsure of your pet's microchip number, give us a file, and we can check if it is on the file.  If it is not, then all you need to do is pop into the clinic with your pet and let one of our staff scan your pet and retrieve the number (no appointment necessary).

If your pet is not microchipped, you will need to organise a Source number from the Victorian Government website before you make an appointment to have a microchip implanted.  Our vets are not legally allowed to implant a microchip without it.  Please refer to Animal Welfare Victoria and follow the instructions.