When does my dog have to be microchipped?
Mandatory microchipping of dogs took effect from 1 July 2011. From that date, all dogs over six months of age will have to be microchipped. If you buy a dog after 1 July 2011 it will be your responsibility to ensure that it is microchipped - either before you buy it or immediately after you take possession of it.
Where can I have my dog microchipped?
A veterinary surgeon, animal welfare agencies like the Dogs Home or RSPCA, or a pet shop can either microchip your dog or provide you with information as to where you can have it microchipped.
How much will it cost to have my dog microchipped?
The cost of microchipping can vary anywhere between $30 and $70. The cost may also be reduced if the microchipping is carried out in conjunction with other treatments such as vaccinations and desexing.
Why does my dog still have to be registered with Council even after it has been microchipped?
Your dog will still have to be registered with Council as it allows us to police requirements in relation to the number of animals kept at a premises. The registration disc that your dog is required to wear enables us to return your dog to you if it becomes lost or strays and is impounded. Microchipping is a good back-up to ensure that your dog can be identified and returned to you quickly. If your dog is stolen, a collar and registration tag can be easily removed. However, if the dog is microchipped, and the registry has been advised that it has gone missing or is believed to have been stolen, a veterinary surgeon, animal shelter or council may detect any errors in ownership information if the dog comes to their attention in the future.
What happens after my dog is microchipped?
Soon after microchipping you will receive confirmation by mail of the microchipping and a record of the microchip number. This is called the Certificate of Identification. Some registry operators can provide this information by email. Please provide Council with this microchip number.
How can I keep my contact details stored on the microchip database up to date?
You need to have the microchip registry details altered if any of your contact details change. The Certificate of Identification you receive after your dog has been microchipped should include a Change of Particulars section which can be filled out and sent to the relevant microchip registry. Some registries provide an online form for this purpose.
What happens if I sell or otherwise transfer ownership of my dog?
The contact details held by the microchip registry will need to be changed if you sell or transfer ownership of a dog. The registry will need confirmation of the change from both parties.
What is a microchip?
Microchips are very small - about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip number is stored in a database with details about your pet and your contact details. Each microchip is individually identifiable through a unique number and can be detected using a microchip scanner. Should your dog stray, veterinary surgeries, animal shelters and councils can scan your dog for its microchip and contact you via the database.
It is important to advise the registry if you move or change other contact details so that you can still be contacted.
Where is the microchip inserted?
Microchips must be put in a standard location. They are placed just under the skin between the shoulder blades at the back of your dog's neck.
Does microchipping hurt my dog?
Implanting a microchip is very much like giving your dog a vaccination. Microchipping will only be carried out by an approved implanter who has been trained to carry out the procedure. It will not cause your dog any discomfort. Microchips are inert - they do not contain chemicals or batteries, don't have any side effects, and will last the lifetime of your dog. A veterinary surgeon may exempt a dog from microchipping if he or she considers that it may adversely affect the dog's health and welfare.
The information above has been obtained from the Tasmanian Government's Department of Premier and Cabinet website - for more information please visit this site.