When do you need to microchip?
Microchip information
Microchipping existing pets
The benefits of microchipping
Maintaining microchip information
The difference between registration and microchipping

When do you need to microchip?

In accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 cats and dogs must be microchipped and their microchip details provided to Council before:

• Reaching 12 weeks of age; and/or
• Being sold (seller responsibility); and/or
• Being given away (responsibility on the person giving away the animal).

Microchipping can only be done by an authorised microchip provider such as a vet or one of Council’s Local Law Officer’s.

If a dog or cat is lost and has lost its collar or not wearing its registration tag, Council can identify its owner from the microchip.

Council requires microchipping your pet to make it easier for lost animals to be reunited with their owners.  Discounts are given to microchipped animal registration.

Microchip information

When an animal is implanted with a microchip, the microchip is given a unique number. The unique microchip number is different to the animal's council registration number and can be read with a microchip reader without causing distress to the animal.

When the microchip is read, the unique microchip number can be found in a permanent identification device (PID) registry database, where it shows details about the animal, including its owner and owner's contact details.

Microchipping existing pets

If your pet was born before April 2009, you are not required to microchip your pet, however it is recommended.  If you can provide to Council a Veterinary Certificate indicating that your pet’s health will be compromised if microchipped, your pet will be exempt for microchipping, however you will still receive the annual registration microchip discount from Council.

The benefits of microchipping

• One in three pets will become lost at some point in their lives, a microchip is their best chance of being reunited with you
• Microchips don’t wear off or fall off, they are a permanent form of identification
• It is a small cost compared to the fine you could receive for not microchipping your pet
• A microchip can serve as a legal proof of ownership if your pet is lost or stolen
• Encourages responsible pet ownership
• If your dog is desexed, microchipping will further reduce your registration.

Maintaining microchip information

Once microchipped, ensure your contact and address details are current with both Council and the company in which your microchip was provided.

Fines apply if your pet is not microchipped or if the details are not current with Council.

If you decide to sell or give away your dog or cat, you are required to microchip your animal and update the ownership details with the microchip registry. If you are unsure of how to do this your vet can provide advice and assistance.

If you are unsure which register your animal's microchip information is then visit pet address.

Microchip Registers

• National Pet Register
• Central Animal Records
• Australian Animal Registry
• Pet Safe
• Home Safe ID
• Global Micro Animal Registry

The difference between registration and microchipping

Cat and dog registrations are administered by your local council, and comes with a physical tag that the cat or dog wears on a collar where it is clearly visible.

When registered, your cat or dog is listed on the local council's register, along with your contact details so that it can be returned to you if lost.

Microchipping is the insertion of a small electronic identification device into the animal's skin. With a microchip scanning device, the microchip can be read and the information about your pet can be accessed through a database anywhere across Queensland.

This means that if your microchipped cat or dog gets lost outside of your local government area, or if it loses its collar and tag, it can still be identified and returned to you.

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