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Permanent Identification of Cats, Dogs and Horses
Permanent Identification of Cats, Dogs and Horses I Permanent Identification Technology I Implantation I Domestic Animal Registries I Frequently Asked Questions - Cats and Dogs I Frequently Asked Questions - Horses I Microchipping of Horses
Significant legislation came into effect in Victoria on the 1st December 2005 in relation to cats and dogs regulating:
- Microchip and scanner technology
- Sale and distribution of microchips
- The implantation of microchips
- Registration and operation of registries
Further legislation was introduced on 1 September 2009 requiring that where horses are microchipped the procedure needs to be conducted in accordance with the same standards as for Cats and Dogs with minor variations due to species. These variations include location of microchip, scanning procedure and limitation to approved veterinary practitioners only for implanting the microchip into horses. (All categories of approved implanters for cats and dogs remain in place and can continue to microchip cats and dogs).
Legislation
Part 3 of the Domestic Animals Regulations 2005 contains provisions for permanent identification systems relating to microchipping both dogs, cats and horses. This legislation details the technology used, who can implant and the requirements for licensing of registries who store the personal information of the animal and their owners.
Domestic Animals Regulations 2005 (the Regulations) contains requirements which support the provisions in the Act. These documents can be found at Domestic Animal Legislation page.
This legislation applies only to the implantation of microchips in cats, dogs and horses within Victoria.
Technology
The new legislation puts in place requirements on the type of microchips that must be used as well as for the capability of scanners. Information on technology is available on the Permanent identification technology page.
Implanters
Only Authorised Implanters can implant microchips into dogs, cats and horses in Victoria. Information on who is an Authorised Implanter are for the each species and the requirements for implanters can be found on the Authorised Implanter page.
Veterinary Implanters
Veterinarians that still need to undertake the training program in order to meet legislative requirements can still complete the training by applying to the AVA to complete the training via DVD. Contact the Victorian branch of the AVA on (03) 9600 2930 for details of this training.
Registries
Any microchip registry which provides a microchip registry service in Victoria (other than Council registration databases) must be licenced with the Department and implanters must send information on cats and dogs microchipped in Victoria to a licensed registry within two days of implanting a microchip into a dog or cat. For more information on Registries, including the names of the licensed registries refer to the Registry page.
When a cat, dog or horse is microchipped in Victoria the Implanter must provide the required data on the animal, microchip and owner to one of the licensed domestic animal registries.
As of 1 July 2009 the following registries are licensed to operate in Victoria.
Australasian Animal Registry (NSW)
Central Animal Records (VIC)
National Pet Register (VIC)
Petsafe Registry NSW)
See the Registries page for contact details.
It is VITAL that owners keep their contact details up to date with the licensed registry on which their animal's information is stored.
While this new legislation will put in place systems to facilitate the detection and linkage of your animal's microchip to you, if your contact details are out of date authorities will not be able to reunite you with your pet.
If you have more questions please look at the specific page, Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the customer service centre on 136 186.
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