When you need to microchip
From 1 July 2009, microchipping of cats and dogs is being
introduced in the council districts of South East Queensland,
Gladstone and Central Highlands. All other Queensland local
governments will introduce cat and dog microchipping no later than
12 December 2010.
There are three cases when microchipping your cat or dog is
mandatory:
- if your cat or dog is under 12 weeks of age when the
microchipping laws are introduced in your local council area
- if a cat or dog is being sold or given away
- if a dog is a declared regulated dog.
An authorised microchip implanter cannot microchip a cat or dog
less than eight weeks old unless at least one of the following is
met:
- the implanter has a reasonable excuse
- the implanter is a veterinary surgeon who considers implanting
the microchip is not likely to be a serious risk to the health of
the cat or dog
- there is a signed veterinary surgeon's certificate for the cat
or dog stating that implanting the microchip when it is less than
eight weeks old is not likely to be a serious risk to the health of
the cat or dog.
The following councils have been the first to implement the
microchipping laws on 1 July 2009:
The following councils will implement the microchipping laws
from 1 March 2010:
The following councils will implement the microchipping
laws from 1 July 2010:
The following councils will implement the microchipping laws
from 1 December 2010:
Unless they commence on an earlier date, other councils will
implement the new microchipping requirements on 12 December
2010.
Microchipping current pets
If you already own a cat or dog that is older than 12 weeks when
these laws start in your area, it will not be mandatory for you to
implant your pet with a microchip, unless it is a regulated dog.
If you decide to give away or sell your cat or dog, you will be
required to implant a microchip in it before the change in
ownership takes place. If you are receiving a cat or dog, it is
your responsibility to make sure it has a microchip.
An authorised microchip implanter cannot microchip a cat or dog
less than eight weeks old unless at least one of the following is
met:
- the implanter has a reasonable excuse
- the implanter is a veterinary surgeon who considers implanting
the microchip is not likely to be a serious risk to the health of
the cat or dog
- there is a signed veterinary surgeon's certificate for the cat
or dog stating that implanting the microchip when it is less than
eight weeks old is not likely to be a serious risk to the health of
the cat or dog.
Cost of microchipping
The cost of microchipping your cat or dog will depend upon who
you get to implant the microchip. Microchipping a cat or dog can
only be done by an authorised microchip implanter. Contact your
local council, vet, animal welfare agency or pet shop to find an
authorised implanter near you.
Microchip information
When an animal is implanted with a microchip, the microchip is
given a unique number. The unique microchip number is different to
the animal's council registration number, and can be read with a
microchip reader without causing distress to the animal.
When the microchip is read, the unique microchip number can be
found in a Permanent Identification Device (PID) registry database,
where it shows details about the animal, including its owner and
owner's contact details.
It is important to inform the PID registry when information
about your pet changes. If you move house or change your telephone
number, for instance, you should let the PID registry know so that
they can update your contact details in their records.
To find out how to contact the PID registry with your pet's
details, look at the documentation you were given at the time of
microchipping, or ask the person that microchipped your animal.
The difference between registration and microchipping
Cat and dog registration is administered by
your local council, and comes with a physical tag that the cat or
dog wears on a collar where it is clearly visible.
When registered, your cat or dog is listed on the local
council's register, along with your contact details so that it can
be returned to you if lost.
Microchipping is the insertion of a small electronic
identification device into the animal's skin. With a microchip
scanning device, the microchip can be read and the information
about your pet can be accessed through a database anywhere across
Queensland.
This means that if your microchipped cat or dog gets lost
outside of your local government area, or if it loses its collar
and tag, it can still be identified and returned to you.
More information
For more information, phone the cats and dogs information
hotline on free call 1800 467 561.
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