Is Your Dog Microchipped?
Hey Woofa’s,
It’s crossed my path a lot since I’ve become a volunteer for Campbelltown Lost Found And Injured Pets!
What’s that you ask??
That dogs (pets) are not microchipped.
Read here if you want to know what Campbelltown Lost Found and Injured Pets do!
Very basically we scan pets for microchip numbers, so we can ultimately reunite a lost/injured pet with their owners.
However, it never ceases to amaze me at how many pets are not microchipped and have no identification on them!!
When we use a microchip scanner to scan for a chip and nothing is detected we have to impound your dog at the Local Animal Care Facility and they charge you to reclaim your dog!!
Billy is microchipped AND we put an Apple Air Tag on him when we go out, just to make sure he’s still in our house/yard.
WHAT’S A MICROCHIP?
It is a small implant that is injected into your dog’s skin.
This microchip has a number allocated to it.
When that number is viewed via a database, it will reveal the details of the dog and who owns that dog.
Only certain qualified people have access to the database with these said details on them.
Generally, all dogs (pets) should be microchipped by the breeder and the details of the owner recognised on the chip changes as you purchase said puppy.
However, with CLFIP we have a lot of microchipped pets that come up with the incorrect information on the microchip.
Even if you re-home or sell your dog, it’s important to change the microchip details to the new owner’s details.
Same goes if you buy a dog (pet) make sure those details are changed over to YOUR contact details.
WHY DOES MY DOG NEED ONE?
Because if your dog (pet) ever gets out of your house/yard/car etc or gets stolen this helps to identify its owners – aka YOU!
And to reunite you both together!
People will be able to contact YOU to let YOU know that your dog is safe and where it is.
It’s a form of identification that allows your dog to be recognised if it ever gets out and gets lost.
It is mandatory for your dog to be microchipped.
And it comes down to being ‘duty of care’ for your dog. Making sure if they are ever lost, YOU can easily be found and reunited.
HOW OLD SHOULD MY DOG BE WHEN GETTING A MICROCHIP?
Anywhere from 8-12 weeks, well before they are ready to go to new homes.
WHERE CAN I HAVE IT DONE FOR MY DOG?
Your trusted local Vet will be able to do the quick procedure for your dog.
Some local Pet Organisations may have the authority to do so as well.
It doesn’t take lot at all, the chip is as small as a grain of rice, it’s placed between your dog’s shoulder blades via a needle into the skin.
It will last a second and if done correctly will not hurt your dog!
Your dog will get lots of treats once it’s done also.
You will receive paperwork with your dog’s microchip number and details as well, keep them safe.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Price will vary depending on where you have it done.
In a rough guesstimation anywhere from $25 – $80.
Some locally run Dog Organisations may have a day where microchipping is free or it could be done through your State’s RSPCA or Pounds – Animal Care Facilities?
They are also designed to last up to 25 years.
When scanning a pet we go all over them because in some cases they can move.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CHANGE THE DETAILS ON MY DOG’S MICROCHIP?
The first place I would go to is the original place that did the microchipping for you, either your Local Vet or Pet Organisation.
You could also check with your Local Council as well.
According to RSPCA Knowledge Base –
Another way to change your contact details is to search http://www.petaddress.com.au using your pet’s microchip number.
Petaddress will redirect you to the database that lists your pet’s microchip number so that you may contact them directly.
Some registries may provide Change of Address forms on their websites.
In NSW your local Council may also be able to direct you to find out which database your pet is listed in.
Currently there are 5 private microchip registries and 2 state government registries:
- Australasian Animal Registry
- Central Animal Records
- Petsafe
- HomeSafeID
- Global Micro
- NSW Government registry – the NSW Companion Animal Registry
- SA Government registry – Dogs and Cats Online (DACO)
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
It is mandatory as well as YOUR ‘duty of care’ to your dog to have them microchipped.
Why? Because if they ever get lost or stolen, this is the only identification they have that ties your dog to YOU!
You owe it to your dog and yourself to have them microchipped.
IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – IF YOUR DOG IS MICROCHIPPED?
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