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Microchipping FAQs

Important Information for Dog Owners – HomeSafeID Microchip Register

Pet microchip registry company HomeSafeID may soon close its website.

This means pet owners registered with HomeSafeID are at risk of losing access to their pet’s microchip records.

If your dog is registered with HomeSafeID, you are encouraged to change your microchip registration to another company. Information on how to do this is provided below.

It is important to keep your microchip details up to date so you can be reunited with your dog if they go missing or are found.

How do I find out who my dog’s microchip is registered with?

If you don’t know your dog’s microchip registry, visit www.petaddress.com.au and enter your dog’s microchip number. If no result appears, you may need to have your dog’s microchip scanned by a vet.

What if I don’t know my pet’s microchip number?

If you don’t know your dog’s microchip number or have lost the paperwork with their registration details, please contact your local council in the first instance, as this information is captured as part of the registration process.

If your council can't provide you with this information, you can contact your vet who can scan your dog’s microchip and provide the microchip number.

What if I am registered with HomeSafeID and want to transfer to another registry?

If your dog is registered with HomeSafeID, update your microchip registration by following these steps:

  1. Log in to your HomeSafeID account and confirm your details are correct.
  2. Apply to register your dog with one of the microchip registry services below. NOTE: Some registries are providing this transfer as a free service, whilst others may charge a small fee.

Does this also apply to cats with a microchip registered with HomeSafeID?

Yes. You can find specific cat-related information at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website , who regulate the microchipping of cats. https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/responsible-cat-ownership

When does my dog have to be microchipped?

All dogs over 6 months old must be microchipped (unless they are exempt – see below).

If you buy a dog make sure it has been microchipped or organise to get it microchipped as soon as possible.

Do all dogs have to be microchipped?

Some groups of dogs are exempt and do not have to be microchipped.

These include:

  • racing greyhounds
  • hunting dogs
  • working dogs
  • dogs seen by a vet who states that putting a microchip in the dog may be bad for the dog’s health or welfare

If your dog is not microchipped and strays or is lost, the council may microchip it and ask you to pay for the microchipping before you can have your dog back.

Where can I get my dog microchipped?

A range of places can microchip your dog, including:

  • your local council
  • a vet
  • the Dogs Home
  • the RSPCA
  • some dog breeders

A trained person will put the microchip just under the skin between the shoulder blades at the back of your dog’s neck. Microchips are put in the same place in each dog.

What is microchipping?

  • Microchips are very small, about the size of a grain of rice
  • Microchipping is simple, a bit like having a vaccination
  • There are no chemicals or batteries
  • There are no side effects and the microchip lasts for your dog’s lifetime
  • Each microchip has a unique number which can be read using a microchip scanner
  • The unique number is stored in an animal registry with details about your dog and your contact details so that you can be contacted if your dog is lost

How much does microchipping cost?

Microchipping may be as cheap as $20 if it is done at the same time as other treatments such as vaccinations or de-sexing. Microchipping on its own may cost between $40-$70.

Which animal registries can I use?

If you live in Tasmania, you can register your dog with one of the animal registries below:

Global Micro Animal Registry

Central Animal Records

Australasian Animal Registry

Petsafe

HomeSafeID

Please see important information above about HomeSafeID microchip registrations

Tasracing Integrity Unit (racing greyhounds only)

Let the animal registry know if:

  • your details change OR
  • you no longer own the dog

Does my dog have to be registered with both my council and an animal microchip registry?

Yes, the law says your dog has to be registered with your council and be microchipped.

The council registration disc that your dog wears on its collar and the microchip will both be used to help the council return your dog to you if your dog gets lost, strays or is impounded by a council ranger.

You can add a second disc with your contact details on your dog’s collar. This will help a person contact you if they find your dog, without needing to contact the council.

Microchips are great because they cannot fall off like a collar or discs on a collar.

If your dog is stolen, you should let the animal registry know. Its collar and discs can be easily removed. If your dog is seen by a vet, animal shelter or council after it has been stolen, they may notice that the details of the owner in the animal registry and the person with the dog are not the same. This may help them return your dog to you.

Go back to the main dog control page