Microchipping
In recent years, the development of numeral recording, scanning and related technology was regarded as a more reliable source of identification for animals compared with the old Council required tags. Microchipping allows a number to be recorded on the microchip making it unique, unalterable and permanent to that chip. Microchip numbers can be bar coded and barcode and chip scanned – ensuring accuracy of the number reading and reducing the chances of human error.

The insertion of a microchip into the animal and the proper recording and maintenance of the pet ownership details ensure that when a pet is recovered it will be reunited with its owner in a timely manner.

What is a microchip?
A microchip, used in pet identification, is about the size of a grain of rice. It is electronically imprinted with a unique and unalterable numeric/alphanumeric code, usually 10 to 15 digits long.

The number is read by passing an infrared numeric scanner over the animal in the area of the chip.

Is it reliable?
Microchipping is the most effective way of ensuring that you will be reunited with your pet provided that all procedures are followed and the information is maintained and kept up to date.

What can I do?
You, the owner, can help make the system reliable by doing the following:

1. Get your pet microchip implanted professionally by a properly trained implanter.

2. Register the microchip details with a recognised national registry (as well as any compulsory State government registration bodies).

3. Ensure that the information on the registration application is correct. This means checking the microchip numbers, your personal details, including telephone numbers and address.

4. When you change address or telephone numbers, inform the registry ASAP. Without up-to-date contact details, it is almost impossible to trace the owner.

5. New pet owners should be informed by previous owners of the registry details. Most registries have ‘change of address/owner’ sections on the registration forms. It is also a legal obligation in some States to notify the government of pet ownership changes. For NSW residents, the NSW Companion Animal Register can be contacted through your local council"

For example, in NSW where microchipping of dogs and cats has been compulsory since 1999, the government runs its own registry (NSW Companion Animal Register) and it is a legal requirement that all details and changes of dog and cat ownership be advised and maintained.

Why do things go wrong?
Experience has shown that the two major reasons why owners are not reunited with microchipped pets are because:

• the animal and microchip details were never recorded with a registry

• the owner failed to notify the registry when they changed address and telephone numbers.

The growth of microchipping
It is now compulsory that all dogs and cats (born, or have changed ownership, since July 1999) in NSW Australia be microchipped and registered. The moratorium for dogs born prior to July 1999 expired in September 2002. Heavy fines are expected for pet owners who fail to comply. It is expected that other States will soon follow suit.