Puppy Alerts!

Ever Lost A Pet? Microchipping and Registration

Each year, many pets are lost, and, unfortunately many of those lost pets never find their owners. Thousands of pets are euthanased each year because their owners cannot be located. If your pet is microchipped, there is a much greater chance that they will return to you safely. Microchips will last for your pet’s lifetime as there are no moving parts and nothing to replace.

A microchip is a small computer chip that has an identification number programmed into it. It is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once implanted, the I.D. number cannot be altered or removed, and a layer of connective tissue forms around the chip preventing it from moving about.

Some people are hesitant to microchip their pet because they are afraid it will hurt. The procedure is simple, routine, and painless, and it doesn’t require any anesthesia. Your pet simply gets an injection just under the loose skin between the shoulder blades; it’s a lot like getting vaccinated. Most animals don’t react at all. Long term studies have shown that the microchip is very safe for your pets. Microchips are mandatory for all cats and dogs under the new Brisbane City Council Animal Managment Act -(seebelow)

The chip contains an identification code that is unique to your pet. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have scanners that can read that identification code from all brands of microchip.

Ideally, leashes, fences, and doors would be enough to keep your pet safe at home, but in the real world, accidents happen, and your pet depends on you to protect him or her against the things that could go wrong.

Microchipping costs $62.00 for a lifetime chip and lifetime registration. (please note this is not the same as council registration and your dog still needs to be registered with your local council)

If the microchip is inserted during a desexing proceedure or other procedure whilst your pet is asleep, then the cost is reduced to $40.00.

Its a very small price to pay for peace of mind that your pet will not end up separated from you or worse still euthanased at an animal shelter.

New Council Requirements for Dogs and Cats in Brisbane

• All animals desexed after July 1, 2009 will receive a compulsory tattoo in one of their ears to signify that they have been desexed.
• All cats and dogs born after April 1, 2009 must have a microchip implanted by the time they are 12 weeks of age. For dogs and cats that are older than this, microchipping is recommended but not compulsory, unless the pet is sold or given away in which case a microchip must be implanted.
• All cats and dogs MUST be registered with the Brisbane City Council if they are over 12 weeks of age.
• There is no fee for registering desexed cats between 1 July, 2009 to 30 June , 2010 due to an amnesty period. This also applies to owners who intend to have their cat desexed within this period. You will still need to submit a registration form. After this amnesty, the cost will be $20.00 for a desexed cat. For registration forms and more information follow this link- http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE:568732983:pc=PC_5765

Or else search www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Fees as of July 2009 DOGS

Fees as of July 2009 CATS

*Nb- you still need to register your desexed cat, even though there is no cost until June 2010*

Article By Meredith Brothers BVsc (hons) MACVsc – Wilston Vet Compassionate Care