Cats and Dogs with Existing Microchip Procedure

Before a cat, dog or horse can be implanted with a microchip, the Authorised Implanter must obtain all the prescribed identifying information from the person presenting the animal for implantation. Also the Authorised Implanter must scan the animal before a microchip can be implanted. If an existing microchip is identified from this scan the following procedure must be followed.

Another microchip must not be implanted unless

• the implanted microchip is no longer working properly
• the identification number does not uniquely identify the animal
• the microchip has migrated outside of the scanning region (as specified for each species of animal in the scanning definition of the Regulations), or
• the animal is being exported to another country with different microchip technology requirements for that country

If the detected microchip is functioning correctly and does not meet any of the above conditions then:

• a second microchip must NOT be implanted
• implanter must notify the licensed registry holding the information on the implanted microchip and provide them with the name, address and telephone number of the person presenting the animal for implantation (if known, however the prescribed identifying information is to be collected before the procedure is started so this information should be available)

Registries are required to contact the original owner and provide them with the presenting persons name and telephone number or seek their approval to change the ownership details. Disputes over animal ownership are civil matters or possibly police matters and registries or implanters are not responsible for resolving such issues.

Note 1: Only registered veterinary practitioners that are also authorised implanters can implant microchips into horses. Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for more information about authorisation.

Note 2: it is a legal requirement under the Domestic Animal Act that any person who 'seizes'/finds a stray dog or cat must hand the animal to the local council as soon as possible. Penalties apply for people who fail to hand a lost pet to their local council.