Dog Diversity provides both cats and dogs a safe and quiet environment where they can be permanently identified with a microchip.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is silicon computer chip about the size of a grain of rice. When an animal is scanned a unique number will appear on the screen of the scanner, similar to a supermarket barcode. That unique number corresponds with owner and pet details. The microchip is implanted under the cat or dogs skin between their shoulder blades.

Why should I microchip my cat or dog?

Because its the ONLY form of permanent identification. Harnesses, collars and tags can fall off, a microchip can never fall off.

Victorian State legislation now requires all cats and dogs over the age of 12 weeks who are being registered for the first time to be implanted with a microchip. The legislation also includes cats and dogs moving from one council to another.

What happens if my pet gets lost?

If he is collected by the council ranger and taken to the pound or shelter or if a member of public who takes the dog/cat to a vet, he will be scanned and checked to see if he has a microchip. If he does, the scanner detect the unique microchip number of the scanner screen. This number is put into the computer and your details are found. You can then be contacted and can collect your pet.

A microchip scanner displaying a pets unique microchip number

What happens if my pet gets lost and doesn’t have a microchip?

Then you can’t be contacted. The finder (member of the public) may assume he has been dumped or assume that he doesn’t have a home – they may even keep him, even though it is against the law to do so. If he is taken to the pound or shelter he will remain there for 8 days waiting for you. It is a requirement for all pounds and shelters to scan cats and dogs admitted for the presence of a microchip.

How often do i have to pay this microchipping fee? Is it like a council registration?

No. You pay the microchipping fee once and only once. Council registration and microchipping are 2 very different requirements.

How long until my details are put on the microchipping registry?

Within 4 days. You fill out a form as the owner, we, the implanters,I take the details and ensure they’re put on the registry. You will then receive a microchipping certificate which contains your details and those of your cat or dog. This certificate should be sighted by your local council to ensure you get a reduced council registration fee.

Pugs being scanned for a microchip

I heard theres a whole heap of registries, how do I get my details on the best?

There are 4 registries in Australia

• NPR (National Pet Register)
• CAR (Central Animal Records)
• Pet Safe
• AAR (Australian Animal Registry)

State Legislation requires all of these registries to be linked, so if you find an animal with a microchip and the vet calls Central Animal Records, CAR will be able to locate the owners details as they are linked to the other 3 registries. So it doesn’t matter who has your information – it can always be found.

Can my pets microchip fall out?

Generally this only happens if your pet is not kept fairly calm whilst the little wound is healing or if you wash the dog straight after it is implanted. Therefore for the first 48 hours you should try and keep your pet as calm and dry as possible. It’s very uncommon for a chip to come out however some times a cat or dogs body may reject the chip. It’s extremely important that you have your pet scanned every time he visits the vet to ensure it has not moved.

What do you mean moved?

If you have a very bouncy dog your pets microchip can migrate, this means it slips down towards his shoulder or elbow or chest. Get your vet to scan your pet annually and they’ll be able to tell you if it has migrated.

“Tiny” being scanned for a microchip

How much will a microchipped pet cost to register with the local council?

It depends on the Council in which you reside. Generally it’s about 1/3 of the full fee.

How much does microchipping cost at Dog Diversity?

Each cat and dog is $35.00.

How do I arrange for my cat or dog to be microchipped?

Call us on 0403 060 716 to organise an appointment.