Microchipping FAQs

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

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

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?

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:

Central Animal Records

• 22 Fiveways Boulevard, Keyborough, VIC 3173
• phone 03 9706 3187
• email info@car.com.au
• website www.car.com.au

Global Micro Animal Registry

• PO Box 14, Mascot, NSW 1460
• phone 02 8338 9063
• email contact@globalmicro.com.au
• website www.globalmicro.com.au

Australasian Animal Registry

• Locked Bag 4317, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
• phone 02 9704 1450
• email help@aar.org.au
• website www.rasnsw.com.au/animal-registry

Petsafe Registry

• PO Box 6804, Baulkham Hills, NSW 1755
• phone 02 8850 6800
• email info@petsafe.com.au
• website www.petsafe.com.au

Homesafe ID

• Willagee Central LPO, PO Box 1033, WILLAGEE CENTRAL, WA 6156
• phone 1300 537 140
• email registrations@homesafeid.com
• website www.homesafeid.com

The Office of Racing Integrity (Racing greyhounds only)

• Level 2, Henty House, Civic Square, Launceston, Tas 7250
• phone 03 6777 1900
• email operations@racingintegrity.tas.gov.au
• website https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/racing

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.

Resources and related information

Go back to the main dog control page