Microchipping

In NSW, around 80,000 dogs and cats are lost, hurt or stolen each year. Most are impounded and are not able to be identified. Because they cannot be returned to their owners, they are at risk of being destroyed.

The Companion Animals Act was introduced by the NSW Government in 1998 to protect pets, their owners and the broader community.

Under the Companaion Animals Act, all owners of puppies and kittens must take two steps to provide lifetime protection for their pet.

These two simple steps will help return your pet to you if it is lost, hurt or stolen.

Once microchipped and registered, your pet is protected for life.

Chip In

• Puppies and kittens must, by 12 weeks of age, be permanently identified through micochipping.
• A microchip is the size of a grain of rice. Your pet will feel little pain as the chip is inserted quickly and safely between the shoulders.
• Inside the chip is a number which can be read by scanner to identify your pet.
• The Statewide Register records all microchip numbers, linked to owners' details. This means you can be informed if your pet is found.
• Your privacy is strictly protected as only authorised people can access the Registry, which is not linked to any other database.

Register

• Puppies and kittens must also be registered through Council on the NSW Companion Animals Register.
• The Statewide Register records all microchip numbers, linked to owners' details. This means you can be informed if your pet is found.
• Your privacy is strictly protected as only authorised people can access the Registry, which is not linked to any other database.

Dogs

• All dogs must be microchipped and lifetime registered through Council
• If your dog is not registered with Council, you must have it microchipped and lifetime registered.

Cats

• If your cat was born, sold or given away after July 1999, it must be microchipped and lifetime registered through Council.
• If you owned your cat before July 1999, you must identify your cat with a collar and tag or microchip. You do not have to register your cat.

Animals that are exempt

• Farm working dogs living on rural properties don't have to be identified or registered, although Council encourages microchipping valuable working dogs.
• Greyhounds registered under the Greyhound Racing Authority Act 1985 do not have to be permanently identified or registered with Council.
• People with assistance animals must have their animal permanently identified and registered but are exempt from paying registration fees.