Microchip Muddles

​by Dr Megan

Microchip scanner and an implantation needle a packet

These days the usefulness of microchips for our cats and dogs is taken for granted but the way the microchip system operates within Australia leaves a lot to be desired and can be a great source of confusion and contention.

The Basics:
A microchip is in essence only a scannable number. It gives the reader a 15 digit number (or if it is a fancy microchip, it may also transmit the pet’s temperature). But that number is useless without a relevant database. Think about it like a number plate for your car. For most of us when we look at the number plate, the only thing we can tell is that specific combination of letters and numbers. But its value is when those details are put into a database such as the NSW Vehicle Registry which allows access to information such as the registered owner, car make, model & colour. Similarly the NSW Pet Registry given information on the species, breed, colour & age of the pet, as well as the owners name, contact details & address.

Which Registry:
You would think like vehicle registration, that if you have your pet’s details recorded on the NSW system, that it would mean if you pet ends up interstate that their details would still be accessible by pounds, etc but that is not the case. In Australia there is at least 5 different registries. Different states require animal residing within its boundaries to have their details lodged with various providers. None of the registries communication with each other and many are privately owned – and as happened recently, this leaves them vulnerable to bankruptcy and the pets details being wiped completely or sold off. What does this mean for you? Well if you live in NSW, you pet needs to be on the NSW government registry, irrespective of whether they are also on another interstate registry. And if you acquire a puppy or kitten interstate you’ll have to complete the relevant change of ownership forms for both the state they are leaving as well as ensuring they have the specific microchip paperwork for NSW completed.

Registration vs Being on the Registry
Having your pet’s details on a microchip registry is NOT the same thing as them being registered with council, nor kennel club registration. Confusingly the same word is used but it means different things. Being on the pet registry just means that your pets microchip number has been placed on the system with an owners’ contact details. When the lifetime registration fee has been paid to council or via the Service NSW portal, then the pet is considered registered in NSW. The one-off lifetime NSW registration fees are the main source of income used by the councils to fund the work of the council rangers in collecting strays, caring for and rehoming unowned dogs and cats.
Pedigree dogs can also be registered with Dogs NSW, but that is only relevant for purebred dog owners who are wishing to confirm their dog’s lineage for show-ring or breeding purposes.

What’s The Rules?
The microchipping laws are laid down by the state government but in a complicated system of bureaucracy, local councils have to administer the rules. This is why at times rules may change but the people in the local council office are unclear on what is supposed to be happening. As of 2024, registration fees are due “when a pet changes ownership or at 12 weeks of age, whichever is first”. This means as soon as you adopt a puppy or kitten it is your responsibility to organise payment of the registration fees. You do NOT wait until they are old enough for desexing (if that is something you are planning on). Fees around entire vs desexed animals do not apply until they have reached breeding age.
Transfer of ownership is another point of confusion. Traditionally this was done with a form in triplicate (i.e. 3 copies) that the breeder and new owner each kept a copy of and the third copy had to be physically taken to a council office for submission. Now there is also the option for electronic change of ownership via the Pet Registry Portal. If it has been years and for whatever reason your pet isn’t in your name, then the best option is to complete a statutory declaration form and submit that council to request the pet is transfer into your name.
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The microchip system is confusing and often convoluted, but can be a life-saving in identifying pets and getting them back to their owners. It’s worth spending a bit of time checking that all of your pets details in order, because it is heart-breaking when families lose a beloved pet and are unable to track them. If you’re getting confused about it, you are welcome to reach out to us, we are more that happy to help people navigate the system.