Microchipping for Puppies and Kittens
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting time and keeping them safe is a top priority. One of the most reliable ways to protect your new companion is by microchipping. This simple, permanent form of identification gives your pet the best chance of being reunited with you if they ever become lost.
WHAT IS A MICROCHIP?
A microchip is a tiny implant, about the size of a grain of rice, placed just under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique ID number that’s linked to your contact details in a secure national database.
If your pet is ever found by a vet, animal shelter, or ranger, they can scan the chip and contact you right away.
WHY MICROCHIP YOUR PUPPY OR KITTEN?
Permanent ID: Unlike collars or tags, a microchip can’t fall off or get lost. It stays with your pet for life.
Quick Reunions: Microchipped pets are far more likely to be returned home if they go missing.
Legal Requirement: In Tasmania and most other Australian states, microchipping is required by law for dogs and cats before they are sold, given away, or registered.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet is easily identifiable gives you peace of mind as they explore the world.
WHEN SHOULD MICROCHIPPING BE DONE?
Microchipping can be done at any time, but most commonly when your pet is around 8 to 12 weeks old, often at the same time as their vaccinations. Or it can be done later such as at the time of desexing. It’s a quick, low-discomfort procedure—similar to getting a vaccination.
HOW IT WORKS
A Quick Implant: The microchip is inserted with a needle, just under the skin- typically around the neck or shoulder region.
Registration: We register your pet’s chip number in a national database with your contact details and also keep your pets microchip on record at our clinic too.
You're Set: You’ll receive microchip documentation including the number to keep with your pets' records.
KEEPING YOUR PETS DETAILS UP TO DATE
A microchip is only helpful if your contact information is current. If you move house or change your phone number, let the registry know as soon as possible.
You can use www.petaddress.com.au to check which database your pet is registered with and update your information.
Concerns about HomeSafe ID micochipping
Since early 2025, there has been growing concern in Tasmania regarding HomeSafe ID microchipping, as the company’s registry is no longer operating. As a result, pets registered with HomeSafe now have untraceable microchip numbers, making it very difficult or even impossible to reunite lost pets with their owners.
If your pet has been registered with HomeSafe, we recommend re-microchipping.
At our clinic, we use Central Animal Records (CAR), a well-established and reliable national database. CAR offers many benefits, including:
24/7 access for vets, shelters, and councils across Australia
Easy online access for owners to update contact details
Reliable national recognition and support in lost pet recovery
Secure and well-maintained records
Switching to CAR ensures your pet’s microchip information remains accessible and up to date, giving you peace of mind in case your pet ever goes missing.
If your puppy or kitten isn’t microchipped yet, or if you’re not sure give us a call. We’ll check their microchip status and help you with everything from registering the chip to keeping your details secure.