At Project Meow, we understand that microchipping your pet is essential for identifying them and for their safety and well-being.  Microchips serve as the voice of our pets, providing a permanent form of identification that helps reunite lost animals with their families.

Microchipping is a simple, quick procedure where a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet’s skin. This chip carries a unique ID number that links to your contact details in a national database.  This is your pet’s number for life.

Why Microchipping Matters

If your pet gets lost, shelters and vets can scan the chip to find your contact information, ensuring a fast and safe return home.  It does not stop there, the microchip helps put you the owner in the picture quickly should your animal present at animal emergency needing care.  It can be life saving.   However, the effectiveness of a microchip relies on keeping the registered information up to date.

Here are some key benefits:

Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags that can fall off, a microchip provides a reliable way to identify your pet.

Quick Reunions: A microchip significantly increases the chances of reuniting with your lost pet.

Fast action for medical care: If your pet arrives at an animal emergency and they can contact you for consent & payment options, care can be given without delay.

Legal Compliance: In many places, including Victoria, microchipping is mandatory for all cats over three months old.

It’s important to note that microchipping is a lifesaving procedure. If your cat is found injured or stressed, being microchipped allows shelters or vet clinics to contact you for necessary decisions. Non Microchipped animals may face euthanasia risks if deemed too stressed, behavioral or requiring extensive surgery.  A microchip can be life saving.

The Microchipping Process:

Implantation: A vet or trained professional injects the microchip under your pet’s skin. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort.  They then register your animal and details on the appropriate database eg: Central Animals Records.

After implantation, it’s crucial to create an account with the implant database so you can accurately maintain your contact details and details of your pet. Ensuring your pet’s microchip information is current is vital.

Here’s how to keep your pet’s details up to date:

Check Your Records: Verify your pet’s microchip number and the registry where it’s registered. You can find this information on documents provided at the time of microchipping or by visiting your vet.

Visit the Registry: Go to the website of the microchip registry. Here are some common registries:  Many animals in Geelong are on the CAR central animal records registry.

🐾Central Animal Records
🐾Australasian Animal Registry
🐾Petsafe.com.au
🐾Home Safe ID (Pets Microchip & Registry System)
🐾Global Micro Animal Registry

Log in to your account on the registry’s website. If you don’t have an account, create one or contact the registry’s customer service for assistance.  It takes less time to do than the hours you may spend searching and worrying about your pet.

Ensure all contact information is correct, including your address, phone number, and email. Make sure to update these details whenever you move or change contact information.

After updating, double-check that the new information is correctly saved in the system. You may receive a confirmation email or letter.

Regularly review your pet’s microchip information, especially during significant life changes like moving to a new home. Set reminders in your calendar to check the information annually.

Additional Tips

Keep Backup Records: Maintain a physical and digital copy of your pet’s microchip number and registration details.  Assigning it to a contact in your telephone for your pets is handy!

Vet Assistance: If you’re unsure about the registry or the microchip number, your vet can scan your pet’s microchip and provide the necessary information.  They will likely have it on record and be able to identify which database they belong to.

Microchipping is a simple yet effective way to protect your cat. It’s their voice when they can’t speak for themselves, significantly increasing the chances of a safe and happy reunion if they ever get lost.  At Project Meow, we are committed to promoting the importance of microchipping as part of responsible pet ownership. Keeping your pet’s information up to date is a simple step that makes a huge difference in their safety and your peace of mind.

Please note microchipping does not replace council registration, but is a requirement to register your pet.  The two are very separate.  

Check with your local council for registration information https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/pets/task/item/8caa334668b0744.aspx

📞 03 5272 5272

Microchipping v Source Numbers got your whiskers frizzled?

Microchips are:

• a number for the pets entire life
• One for each animal
• one fee, one time only
• You must update contact details & address when things change

Source numbers are:

• If you are selling or rehoming prior to microchipping.
• for people or organisations to microchip their animals –
• one number per person / organisation to use for an animal and/or animals after that.
• Annual renewal that may include a fee $23.50 approx ?<

Dive in here for further information: https://per.animalwelfare.vic.gov.au