“A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under your pet’s skin, usually on their back between their shoulders. The microchip comes with a code that is unique to your pet and serves as a form of permanent identification. The code is placed onto a national computer database with the owner’s contact details, so it is essential in the return of lost pets. If a pet is lost and is handed in at a veterinary practice or an animal shelter, the pet’s microchip can be scanned to reveal the unique code. The staff can refer to the database to identify the contact details of the owner, so they can be reunited.
It is compulsory for dogs to be microchipped by 3 months of age and cats to be microchipped by 6 months of age in Western Australia.
If you have changed your address or contact details, it is important to update your pet’s entry in the pet registry.