Don’t let your pet become a statistic.  90% of lost animals are never recovered.
Microchipping your pets will greatly increase the chance of being reunited with your lost pet.

As of the 1st July 2009, microchipping your pet became a little more serious.  The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 was introduced in South-East Queensland, which means it is now “the law”.

What is microchipping?

A microchip is a small electronic identification device, about the size of a grain of rice.  It is inserted under the skin over the scruff of the neck. A microchip scanner can ‘read’ the microchip and displays a unique number that is used to identify pets.  The microchips implanted at the Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery are ISO-chips (International Standard) which means they will work anywhere in Australia and overseas.

How is it done?

It is a quick easy procedure (like having your ear pierced) and MUST be performed by an ‘authorised implanter’.  All of the veterinarians at the Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery have the appropriate accreditation for microchipping under the Act.

Why is it important?

It is a PERMANENT means of identifying your pet.  Animals can lose their collars containing important phone number and registration tags.  Once a microchip has been inserted it CANNOT be removed.

If your pet is lost or stolen, any pound, refuge or Veterinary Surgery will scan your pet.  The microchip provides quick identification, and your pet can be returned to you as soon as possible.

Also, from the 1st July 2009, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council will use your pet’s microchip number in addition to the tag provided for registration purposes.

What does this new Law mean for you?

  • All puppies and kittens must be microchipped between the ages of 8 to 12 weeks. The onus is on the breeders and pet stores to have this done before they are sold.
  • If you purchase a puppy or kitten that has not been microchipped, the responsibility then becomes yours.
  • Dogs or cats that were born before 1st of July 2009 which are already owned do not need to be microchipped unless they are sold or given away. Once again the onus is on the person supplying the animal.
  • You are obliged to notify council and the Microchip Registry, within 7 days, of any changes to your details (e.g., address, phone numbers, if you pet is de-sexed). It is not the responsibility of the Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery.
  • All cats must now be microchipped and registered with the Sunshine Coast council, just like dogs are.  This must happen within the next 3 months or you could incur a fine.  Cats will also be required to wear a tag if they are not confined to your house.
  • All cats need to be confined to their properties at all times.
  • If you do not microchip your cat or dog you may incur a fine of $261 from the council if found.
  • Whilst it has been common practice for veterinarians to tattoo the left ear of de-sexed animals, it is now compulsory.
  • There are special requirements for ‘dangerous’ or ‘restricted’ dogs. Please contact us to discuss these requirements.

Why has this new Law been introduced?

The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 was developed in response to unacceptable levels of euthanasia of dogs and cats in refuges.

The main purpose of the Act is to promote responsible pet ownership of cats and dogs.

By having animals permanently identified with a microchip, and registered with the local council, allows pets to be quickly returned to their owners should they become lost of stolen. This will effectively reduce the load of unwanted animals at refuges.

Please contact our staff on 5493 2655 should you have any concerns, or better still,  book your pet in for microchipping.