Microchipping
As of the 1st July 2009, legislation passed by the Queensland State Government (and enforced by local councils) requires all dogs and cats to be microchipped before they are 12 weeks old; animals older than 12 weeks on that date have to be microchipped when ownership is transferred (through sale or gift). There is a lot of confusion and misinformation about this new legislation and microchipping in general. We hope the following information will help clarify things.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a ‘passive transponder’ slightly larger than a grain of rice, which is injected under your pet’s skin. It carries a code (similar to the bar code at the supermarket) unique to that pet, which is placed onto a national computer database and appears on a certificate of identification posted to you.
Micro-chipping is the most effective form of permanent identification. If your pet is lost and ends up at the Animal Management Centre, the RSPCA or a vet clinic, a microchip scanner is passed over your pet to reveal the unique code. The operator can read the code on the scanner display and then refer to the Central Animal Records database to identify your name, address and phone number. This allows you to be reunited with your pet without delay. There have been some great success stories about pets and owners being reunited across extensive distances. A microchip is also a legal way for you to prove ownership of our pet.
Does my pet have to be microchipped?
The following animals are required by law to be microchipped:
- Dogs and cats aged under 3 months of age as of the 1st July 2009, or born since then
- Any dog or cat, of any age, that changes ownership (by sale or by gift) after the 1st July 2009
The following animals do not have to be microchipped:
- Dogs and cats aged over 3 months of age on the 1st July 2009 who remain with their current owners and are not sold or given away;
- Working rural dogs (not hunting dogs)
Who has to pay for the microchipping?
The person selling or supplying the pet is responsible for the cost of microchipping. Whether you intend to sell or give your puppies or kittens to a pet store or a friend, you have to pay for the microchipping.
If you are buying a puppy or kitten that is already microchipped, you are responsible for the cost of transferring the registration details.
Who can implant the microchip?
Only government-approved Authorised Implanters are allowed to insert a microchip.
Microchipping at the West Toowoomba Vet Surgery
At the moment, microchipping costs $45. This includes the implantation and life-time registration of your pet’s details. This is NOT the same as registration with the Toowoomba City Council. The procedure can be done during a consult or vaccination or during surgery. As a once-a-lifetime payment, it is one of the best investments you can make for your pet.
Once the microchip has ben implanted, your details are faxed off to the Central Animal Records. You should receive a letter within 6 weeks, asking you to confirm your details. If you DO NOT get a letter, please contact the surgery. There may have been a problem at CAR with your details.
If you move address, you will need to update your details with CAR.
* (Please note that prices may be subject to change without notification.)
