Microchipping

A microchip is a permanent method of identification for your dog. It is a tiny transmitter (about the size of a grain of rice) that is inserted under the dogs’ skin between the shoulder blades. This simple procedure can be performed during a normal consultation – it may be uncomfortable for a brief period but is generally tolerated well by most dogs. It can also be done while your dog is under anaesthetic for another purpose eg. desexing.

Microchipping is the most effective form of permanent identification – unlike a tag or a collar, it cannot be taken off or get lost. The microchip is embedded with a code unique to your dog, and once registered, this code is placed onto a national computer database, so it is particularly useful in helping lost dogs be reunited with their families. They can also assist where the ownership of an animal may be in dispute. In Tasmania it is compulsory for all dogs over six months of age to be microchipped.

Please note: Microchipping is different from having your dog registered with the local council (which is also compulsory after 6 months of age).

If a dog is ever lost and is handed in at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, a microchip scanner is passed over the animal to reveal the unique code. The vet or animal shelter can then refer to the database to identify the name, address and phone number of the owner, so they can be reunited.

 

Ask yourself the following questions about your dog:

a) Is your dog microchipped? 

If yes, great! Proceed below. If not, then book in with us today to have them done.

b) Is the microchip registered on a national database? 

If you are not sure, go to the following website to check! www.petaddress.com.au

You will need your dogs’ microchip number to check their status. Not sure what the number is? Bring them into The Dog Clinic at any time, and we can scan them for you.

c) Are your details up to date on the database?

This is the most important one to remember! Many people know their dog is microchipped, but unless you keep your details up to date, the microchip will not be able to assist you to be reunited with your dog. If you move house or change your phone number – remember to update it on the database!

If you know your dogs’ microchip number, you can check their registry details at home by entering the number at www.petaddress.com.au

We know this can all be very confusing for pet owners! If you are in any doubt about the above for your dog, please bring your dog into the clinic so we can scan them for a microchip and look up their details for you – we can do this any time and the scanning service is complimentary!

If you find a lost dog please call us to arrange a scan; we can help reunite microchipped dogs with their worried owners.

If your dog is not microchipped, please give us a call to make an appointment to have one inserted (fees apply).