What is a microchip?
A microchip is a permanent form of identification.
It is an electronic device that contains a unique identification number, this device is no larger than a grain of rice, and the implantation procedure is non-invasive
Why should I microchip?
Under the Domestic Animals Act, all cats and dogs must be microchipped from 3 months of age (before sale) or before adoption. Due to this, most councils have streamlined protocols in place for managing stray or lost cats or dogs. This includes contacting owners listed on the microchip registry base, holding the animal for several days to weeks, advertising the animal on their website, and potentially adoption.
Sadly, our small creatures are not governed by the act which means most councils and stray processing facilities are inundated with 100’s of lost and stray small mammals or they blatantly refuse to accept lost small mammals as they are unable to safely house them.
A microchip, with your up-to-date details, is the only guaranteed way of having your pet returned home.
How is the microchip implanted?
The microchip is implanted using a special needle. It is placed between the shoulder blades, in the subcutaneous layer (under the skin) of your pet.
This needle is a little larger than what we use for most injections, so your pet may experience a small pinch during implantation, however injecting and removal of the needle should cause no pain.
We do encourage you to consider implantation during their desexing procedure to avoid this momentary discomfort.
What happens next?
After the microchip is implanted, our veterinary team will lodge a registration with Central Animal Records. (This is our local registry of choice)
The following information is provided to the registry:
- Your nominated primary and secondary contact details will be recorded.
- Your pet's name, age, sex, desexing status breed, and colour.
Within 48 hours of implantation, you will receive an email that contains a registry certificate.
Keep this safe, if you ever need to update your contact details, this certificate will contain your pet's microchip identification number!
What happens if I lose my pet?
Reuniting pets with their owners is generally governed by local legislation, what this means is that it is normally your local animal shelter that will be contacting you to advise you your lost pet has been found.
We recommend you contact Central Animal Records and list your pet as LOST and contact all local vet clinics and shelters in your area to provide details in case your small mammal is found.
Always keep your details up to date with your microchip company
For your reference, our registry of choice details are below:
Central Animal Records
Fun facts!
- Over the years, microchips can “migrate” under the skin, repositioning themselves over the chest region, rump, or even a limb! But don’t worry, even if this occurs all veterinary professionals are trained to conduct a thorough scan of the entire pet to attempt to locate a microchip.
- Microchip registries change from state to state (and country to country), so it’s important to contact your local registry and ask them for advice if relocating out of state or out of the country.
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Microchipping is a permanent means of identification that can be performed at home or in the clinic |
Need to update your details? Keeping your details up to date is crucial. To do this all you need to do is contact Central Animal Records on (03) 9706 3187. Remember to have a copy of your bunnies microchip number available at this time. Central Animal Records
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