- The person is an Authorised Implanter; and
- If the person is not a veterinarian they must also:
o be acting under the supervision and be employed by a veterinarian (who is an authorised implanter); or
o acting under supervision of a veterinarian (who is an authorised implanter) who has agreed in writing to supervise that person
- The device is a prescribed permanent identification device
An Authorised Implanter is:
For the purposes of implanting a cat or dog:
- Registered Veterinarians (Victorian registration) who have undertaken the DPI approved "Australian Veterinary Association Victorian Microchip Implementation Course"
- Persons with Certificate IV / Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Nursing, Certificate III in Animal Technology, Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation / Animal Welfare (Regulation) or another approved qualification
o who have successfully completed the VBN287 Course in Microchip Implantation Procedures Competency for Cats and Dogs, and
o who are employed by, or have a written agreement for supervision with, a veterinarian
For the purposes of implanting a horse:
- Registered Veterinarians (Victorian registration) who have undertaken the DPI approved "Australian Veterinary Association Victorian Microchip Implementation Course"
Requirements for implanters
There are a number of specific requirements for implanters under the Domestic Animals Legislation, a summary of these is given below.
Prior to implantation:
- A signed application form containing the 'Prescribed Identifying Information' must be completed by the owner or their agent. (click on link for details of what information is required)
- Owners must be advised of any services for which the registry charges fees other than the fee for whole of live registration.
- Animal must be scanned to confirm it is not already microchipped
Scan means:
In the case of a cat or dog:
To pass a scanner over the skin of the animal:
- at a distance of no greater than 50mm & speed no greater than 50cm per second
- 2 sweeps between the head to the middle of the back and 2 sweeps over the shoulder from elbow to elbow
In the case of a horse:
To pass a scanner over the skin of the horse by including two sweeps close to the skin along each side of the full length of the neck, along the nuchal ligament, with a reader that the person has confirmed is functioning correctly.
If the animal has not already been implanted the implantation procedure can proceed providing:
- the microchip is in individual sterile packaging
- the microchip is first checked to ensure it is functioning properly and unique identification number matches that on the paperwork provided with the chip.
If a microchip is found during the initial scan another chip must NOT be implanted unless certain conditions exist - see procedure for existing microchip
Implantation:
In the case of a dog or cat:
- Microchip is to be subcutaneously implanted in the dorsal midline between the scapulae with the chip lying at 30-45 degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the animal
In the case of a horse:
- implant the device into the nuchal ligament on the left side of the neck, midway between the poll and the wither
- The animal (cat, dog or horse) must be scanned immediately after implantation to ensure device is functioning properly
- Implanters have 2 days to send information to a licensed registry and must keep a copy of the information until they are sure it has been placed on the registry.
Implanters who fail to meet the legislative obligations may be subject to prosecution and penalty and additionally may have their status as an authorised implanter revoked.
Microchips may only be removed by a registered veterinarian for therapeutic reasons and the veterinarian must take reasonable steps to advise the registry holding the records for the microchip of its removal. |
