Microchipping

The new Companion Animals Act has been passed by the NSW Government, which requires that after July 1st 1999 all new pets be identified with a microchip I.D.

The microchip is about 1cm long and is given by a needle in the back of the neck just above the shoulders. Most cats and and larger dogs tolerate this procedure very well and require no sedation. Unfortunately, many of the smaller dogs and some cats find the large needle a bit much and sedation is recommended for such pets.

The Law States:

1. All new puppies and kittens must be micro-chipped by 12 weeks of age unless the needle is likely to cause too much pain.
2. Dogs and cats already micro-chipped need to be re-registered with the Government Companion Animals Registry of your state. Documents from the previous microchip is all that is needed. Simply take the microchip information to the council.
3. Pets already microchipped need to be registered with council by giving them your microchip information.

Microchipping and registration must be completed in all new dogs and cats at 12 weeks of age except:

1. Already owned cats - must have collar and tag or microchip.
2. Already owned dogs - have 3 years to transfer to new system.

How Microchipping Works
The technique of implanting an Identification Computer Chip is a clever and lifelong method of retrieving your lost pet. The procedure involves a simple injection given during a normal consultation or at the time of surgery.

The very small microchip is coded with the number of your pet, which is kept in a National Registry. This means that you and you pet can immediately be identified and contacted anywhere in Australia.

The procedure is used not only for the much loved pet, but also to guarantee ownership of expensive animals such as race horses, greyhounds, stud cows, pigs, goats, dogs, cats, racing and show pigeons. We have recently microchipped a much loved pet rat.

The cost is $99.00, which includes implanting the microchip and the lifetime registration. You will receive a code number which we recommend you to stick in your address/phone book under your pet's name.

Talk to Dr. Marshall if you would like an implant during the consultation or at the time of surgery.

Copyright © 2002 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved.