Every year in Australia, thousands of pets go missing. In 2024, RSPCA Australia was able to connect over 8,000 missing pets with their owners.
Despite the many positive outcomes, the number of pets that are reunited with their owners from shelters has been steadily declining since 2018.
One simple solution is microchipping your pet. It may seem like a small step but it could make a life-changing difference for you and your furry friend.
Microchipping pets is more than just a legal requirement in many Australian states. It’s a critical investment in their safety. Whether your pet wanders out an open gate, gets spooked and runs away, or is stolen, a microchip can help bring them back to you.
Knose is proud to partner with Global Micro, one of Australia’s trustworthy microchip registries, to make this life-saving technology more accessible to pet owners nationwide.
- What is Microchipping?
- Step-by-step: The process of Microchipping your pet
- Why Microchipping your pet is important
- How much does Microchipping your dog or cat cost?
- Microchipping Pets is a Legal Requirement in Australia
- Choosing a Registry Provider for Microchipping your pet
- How to maintain your pet’s Microchip details
- Debunking common Microchip myths
- What can you do today to help keep your pet safe?
What is Microchipping?
Microchipping is the process of implanting a small, electronic chip, that is roughly the size of a grain of rice, under your pet’s skin.
It’s typically placed between the shoulder blades and contains a unique identification number linked to your contact details. This information is stored in state-based registries or national ones, depending on the state or territory.
Authorised personnel such as veterinarians, pounds, rescue centres, and animal shelters can scan a pet’s microchip to retrieve its unique ID number. This enables them to verify the animal’s identity and access the registered contact information when necessary.
However, independent rescue centres often don’t have direct access to scanning databases, which may limit their ability to reunite pets directly.
💡Contrary to popular belief, microchips are not GPS trackers. They don’t track your pet’s location. Instead, they act as a permanent form of identification for your pet. Unlike a collar or tag, the microchip can’t fall off or be removed.
Step-by-step: The process of Microchipping your pet
The microchipping procedure is straightforward, safe, and typically no more uncomfortable than a routine vaccination.
- Implantation: During a visit to a veterinarian or authorised microchip implanter, a sterile microchip is injected just beneath your pet’s skin using a specially designed applicator. The process is fast and usually does not require any anaesthetic.
- Initial scanning: After the chip is implanted, the implanter uses a microchip scanner to confirm that the chip is detectable and properly placed. This also verifies that the chip’s unique identification number is functioning as expected.
- Registration: The implanter or the pet owner registers the microchip ID with an authorised registry such as Global Micro Animal Registry. This information should include your name, address, phone number, emergency contacts, and any relevant medical information about your pet.
- Verification: Once the registration is complete, most registry providers will send a confirmation email or certificate as verification of your pet’s registration. It’s important to retain this record and ensure the information remains up to date. While owners can update or register microchip details, the legal obligation to register typically rests with the implanter.
- Future identification: When necessary, authorised personnel such as veterinarians, shelters, or council rangers can scan your pet’s microchip with a reader. The chip’s unique ID links back to the registry, allowing them to access your contact information to verify your pet’s identity and get in touch with you if necessary.
Microchips are built to last a lifetime and provide a reliable and enduring form of identification. However, it’s important to remember that the chip is only as good as the information attached to it. That’s why keeping your contact details updated is just as crucial as having the chip implanted.
Are there any side effects to Microchipping pets?
Microchipping is quick, minimally-invasive, and is typically completed during an ordinary vet visit. No anesthesia is required as the procedure may cause only mild discomfort, if any at all.
The process is often compared to receiving a routine vaccination. Most pets show little to no signs of distress afterward and resume normal behavior almost immediately.
While side effects are extremely rare, some pets may experience:
- Minor temporary swelling or tenderness
- Mild infection at the injection site
- Migration of the chip (it may shift slightly from its original location)
These instances may happen in only a tiny percentage of cases and are usually easily treated if they do occur. Microchipping is considered a very safe procedure that offers a lifetime of security in exchange for a few moments of discomfort.
Why Microchipping your pet is important
Permanent and tamper-proof
While visible identification tags are useful, they can sometimes fall off, become damaged, or be intentionally removed.
While a microchip is safely embedded under the skin, making it a secure and permanent form of identification. Even if your pet is found without a collar, the microchip ensures they can still be accurately identified.
Eases emotional burden
Having a missing pet is deeply traumatic and for many, it may seem hard to believe that there is hope. But there is always a way to stay hopeful.
Five years after she went missing, a Maltese terrier named Disco was reunited with her original owner in Melbourne. Found by an elderly couple and cared for by their family, Disco was eventually taken to the vet—where a microchip scan confirmed her identity.
Increases the chance of reunion
A 2012–2013 RSPCA Queensland study found that dogs with updated microchip details were reunited with their owners 87% of the time, compared to 37% for unchipped dogs.
For cats, the rate was 61% versus just 5%. These numbers highlight how effective microchipping can be in reuniting lost pets with their families.
Vital in emergencies
Natural disasters like bushfires and floods often result in displaced pets. Microchips help identify them during chaotic situations.
Proves ownership
In cases of theft or disputes over pet ownership, the microchip can serve as proof. In Texas, a golden retriever stolen as a 3-month-old puppy in December 2022 was reunited with her owner nearly two years later, thanks to a microchip scan by Laredo Animal Care Services that confirmed her identity.
How much does Microchipping your dog or cat cost [2025]?
In Australia, the cost of microchipping is generally affordable for most pet owners, with a one-time fee typically ranging from $30 to $45. This fee should cover the implantation of the microchip and the initial registration in a national pet database.
A legitimate registry charges an affordable fee only once and already offers lifetime protection. Through our partner, Global Micro, microchipping is available for just $10, an affordable option that includes registration and access to support services. Microchipping can be done at most veterinary clinics, council-sponsored pet events, and animal shelters.
💡 Be Cautious: Some companies may pose as trusted registries but charge unnecessary monthly or annual fees. Always opt for reputable registries with clear, one-time pricing to avoid hidden costs or scams.
Microchipping Pets is a Legal Requirement in Australia [2025]
In most Australian states, microchipping is legally required. Fines can apply for non-compliance, so it’s best to check your local council’s rules. Early microchipping is not just safer, it’s the law.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Regions | Requirement |
| New South Wales | Mandatory for cats and dogs before sale or transfer, and before 12 weeks of age. |
| Victoria | Mandatory before local council registration. All cats and dogs 3 months and older must be registered. |
| Queensland | Mandatory for cats and dogs before sale or transfer, and between 8–12 weeks of age. |
| South Australia | Mandatory for cats and dogs before sale/transfer, before 12 weeks of age, or within 28 days of taking ownership. |
| Western Australia | Mandatory for dogs by 3 months and cats by 6 months. Required before transfer to a new owner. |
| Tasmania | Mandatory for dogs over 6 months (with some exemptions), and cats over 4 months. |
| Australian Capital Territory | Mandatory before 12 weeks of age and requires registration. |
| Northern Territory | Not mandatory territory-wide, but microchipping and registration are compulsory in the City of Darwin for cats and dogs over 3 months of age. |
Choosing a Registry Provider for Microchipping your pet
Choosing the right registry provider is a crucial part of the microchipping process, as it determines how easily and reliably your pet can be identified if they go missing.
A trustworthy provider should be listed on the Central Animal Records, Australasian Animal Registry, Petsafe, or other legitimate databases.
One way to verify this is through the official Pet Address website (https://www.petaddress.com.au/), which helps you identify where your pet’s microchip is registered.
A legitimate registry should be accessible 24/7 to animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and local authorities, and should integrate easily with vet systems for fast access to information.
Not all microchip registries are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Recognised Database: Ensure your provider is listed on PetAddress, Australia’s central lookup service.
- 24/7 Accessibility: Should be easily accessible to animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and local authorities, and should integrate easily with vet systems for fast access to information.
- Support Services: Look for extra options like lost pet alerts, hotlines, and a dedicated support team that can make a significant difference in an emergency.
- Data Security: Your personal data must be protected under Australian privacy laws as they store sensitive contact and medical information.
- No Hidden Fees: Reputable providers charge a one-time fee and offer free updates. A change of ownership, however, usually incurs a fee.
Our recommendation
Knose’s partner, Global Micro, offers an affordable, reliable, and secure service. With Global Micro’s registration system:
- You pay only $10 as a one-time fee for new owner self-registration or ownership transfer online.
- One of the government-recognised databases
- Your pet’s data is accessible 24/7 by vets and authorities
- Your pet is part of a nation-wide alert system
- You get lifetime updates and peace of mind
How to maintain your pet’s Microchip details
Microchipping alone isn’t enough. Keeping your contact details up to date is just as essential.
The chip holds only a unique ID, which links to your information in the registry. If your phone number or address changes and isn’t updated, a found pet may not make it home.
Most accredited registries offer lifetime updates, often accessible online. It’s the owner’s responsibility to keep this information current, especially after moving, changing numbers, or transferring ownership.
You can check your pet’s registry on Pet Address using their microchip number. Making it a yearly habit to verify your information ensures that, if the worst happens, you’ve done everything possible to facilitate a reunion with your pet.
Debunking common Microchip myths
Microchipping is a powerful tool for pet safety, but it’s also surrounded by a number of misconceptions. These myths can lead to confusion and prevent you from giving your pet the best protection.
Myth 1: Microchips have GPS
Reality: Microchips cannot act as location trackers. They only store a unique ID and essential information.
Myth 2: Microchips stop working over time
Reality: Microchips are designed to last the lifetime of your pet. They are made of biocompatible materials that don’t degrade or require a power source.
Myth 3: You don’t need ID tags if your pet is microchipped
Reality: Collars and tags are still important for quick visual identification. Use both to keep your pet fully secure.
What can you do today to help keep your pet safe?
Microchipping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference in ensuring that if your pet is ever lost, they have the best possible chance of being reunited with you.
In addition to serving as a permanent, tamper-proof form of identification, microchipping can support emergency medical treatment, facilitate ownership claims, and integrate with modern pet technology.
✓ If your pet is already microchipped: take a moment to verify that your contact details are current with the registry.
✓ If your pet isn’t yet microchipped: book an appointment with a trusted vet or local council provider.
✓ Consider protecting your pet with award-winning pet insurance so that your pet’s health is covered no matter what.
Thanks to accessible and trusted services like those from our partner, Global Micro, microchipping is a simple and affordable step that could one day make all the difference. In a critical moment, that tiny chip may be the key to bringing your pet home safely.
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Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Marie
Marie grew up surrounded by animals, but caring for her Yorkie-Maltese mix with a liver shunt sparked a deeper commitment to pet health. Drawing from her experience caring for a pet with special needs and her strength in academic writing, she creates insightful content that shines a light on key pet care topics.
