Microchips help return lost pets to their owners. Your pet’s microchip number links your pet to your contact details on a microchip registry database. That’s why it is so important to update the microchip contact details when you move house or change phone numbers or pet ownership changes so you don’t break that link. You want to be contactable if your pet is lost.
How do you check your pet’s microchip details?
Check www.petaddress.com.au to make sure your pet’s chip is registered on one of the microchip registration databases in Australia. Then follow the link on PetAddress to the microchip registry to view your contact details. If you can’t access the database, we can help as vets have broader access.
If the microchip isn’t registered go to Australasian Animal Registry or Central Animal Records to register your pet.
What details should I check?
Check that the contact phone numbers and addresses for you and your alternative contacts are correct. Remember the alternative contacts linked to the microchip are people you trust with your pet’s life. They’ll be contacted if you are unavailable. Consider if they are still the best alternative contacts for your pet.
What about a new pet?
Don’t forget to check the microchip status of any animal before you purchase or adopt for you’ll need to change the microchip registration into your name. This change is easiest if the original owner or rescue group completes a change-of-ownership form.
Moving House? New Phone number?
There’s so much to do when moving house or getting a new phone number. But make sure you add “Update Fido’s Microchip” onto the TO DO list.
And if you’re moving, don’t forget a collar tag with your phone number. A quick phone-call from your new friendly neighbour could save you a lot of worry if Fido goes wandering.
With up-to-date microchip details and a collar and new tag, if Fido goes exploring you have the best chance of getting him home to you.