Microchipping and Registration

STEP 1 MICROCHIP YOUR ANIMAL

In NSW cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. Microchipping your animal is the first step in the registration process and is important because it helps authorities return lost, hurt or stolen animals to their owners.

When an animal is microchipped its identification details are entered onto the NSW Pet Registry. A certificate is issued to the owner receipting the entry of their animal's details.

Microchips are about the same size as a large grain of rice. They are very safe. Your pet will feel little pain as the chip is inserted quickly and safely under the skin between the shoulders.

When the chip is scanned, a number displayed on the scanner will be used to identify your cat or dog.

Microchipping can be arranged through your local vet, animal welfare organisation or at Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre.

STEP 2 REGISTER ONLINE OR AT YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL

Once you have microchipped your animal, you then need to lifetime register your dog by 6 months of age and your cat by 4 months of age. This can be done online via a self-service system on the NSW Pet Registry website.

The microchip paperwork will be entered into the NSW Pet Registry and you will be sent a certificate of identification in the mail. You must then log in to the NSW Pet Registry website, make a profile and claim your pet by searching for the microchip number. Please check all details are correct as this is the only link back to you should your pet ever go missing. 

Infringements may be issued to owners of animals whose animal is older than 6 months of age and is not registered.

STEP 3 UPDATE YOUR MICROCHIP DETAILS 

Pet owners must ensure that the information about their pet is always up to date by notifying the register of any changes. Please log onto the NSW Pet Registry to update your details. NSW Pet Registry

Information on how to use the online Pet Registry, including helpful factsheets can be found at www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/dogs-cats/

If you change phone numbers or address, or if the pet dies or goes missing, please update your pet’s microchip details via the NSW Pet Registry.