Microchipping/Desexing

Microchipping

Legislation requires dogs and cats to be microchipped before they can be registered with Council.

Microchipping is the best way of having animals identified; it is permanent and provided that you keep your contact details current with the Microchip Database, it enables us to easily return your lost pets.

The microchipping process - A microchip is inserted into the skin of the animal (in the area between the shoulder blades) by a qualified implanter or vet. The microchip is small and causes no pain or discomfort to your pet.

The unique barcode on a microchipped animal is read by a scanner. Animal owner details are recorded with a Central Database which is then easily accessed to assist in reuniting lost animals.

Staff at all pounds and shelters must routinely scan animals which are presented there.

Desexing

Unless you are planning to breed from your animals, they should be desexed. If you are planning to have your pets desexed it is best do this before they mature; however the operation may also be performed on older animals - please consult your vet for further information.
Early desexing is recommended for a variety of reasons:

• It promotes responsible pet ownership by not ever allowing animals to breed.
• Desexed animals are cleaner and less inclined to want to wander or show aggression and generally they keep better health than "entire" animals.
• The cost of the desexing operation is relative to the weight of the animal.
• The older heavier animal is generally more expensive to desex than a less mature (lighter weight) animal. By comparison too, the younger animal has a more rapid recovery.