Microchipping

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under your pet’s skin, usually on their back near the shoulders. It can be done during a normal consultation. The microchip is embedded with a code unique to your pet and is the most effective form of permanent identification. This code is placed onto a national computer database, so it is particularly useful in the return of lost pets. They can also assist where the ownership of an animal is in dispute. In some states of Australia microchipping of pets is now compulsory.

What is a source number? 
The Pet Exchange Register promotes responsible pet breeding and improves the traceability of dogs and cats being sold in Victoria.
If you advertise a puppy, kitten, dog or cat for sale or to give away in Victoria, you will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register. This source number must be displayed on all your advertisements along with each animal’s microchip number.
A source number is required when implanting a microchip into a dog or cat born after 1 July 2020.
A source number is valid for one year and can be renewed annually for as long as you need it.
An application fee of $23.85 applies to the registration or renewal of a source number.  You can use this 1 source number for multiple animals. It is easier to use your Medicare Card to validate your identity, than your driver's license.

How will the Pet Exchange Register be enforced?
It is an offence to publish an advertisement without a valid microchip number and a source number. The offence applies to advertisers selling or giving away dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, and those publishing non-compliant advertisements. Penalties apply.
Animal Welfare Victoria has a dedicated compliance team to monitor compliance with the new advertising requirements. Local council and RSPCA Victoria officers are also authorised to enforce.


How do I apply for a source number? 
Head to the following link and click register as shown below. The follow the prompts.
Home - Pet Exchange Register (animalwelfare.vic.gov.au)

If you move address or change your contact details, make sure you update your pet’s entry on the pet registry.

If a pet is ever lost and is handed in at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter a microchip scanner is passed over the animal to reveal the unique code. The vet or animal shelter can then refer to the database to identify the name, address and phone number of the owner, so they can be reunited.

If your pet is not microchipped please give us a call to make an appointment to have one inserted.  If you find a lost pet please call us to arrange a scan sowe can reunite microchipped pets with their worried owners.