By: Responsible Group Australia Last updated May 19, 2023
Cat microchipping is a simple procedure where a small transponder chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted beneath the skin of a cat, usually between the shoulderblades.
The chip contains identifying information about your cat and can be used to reunite you with your pet if they ever become separated from you.
| State | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Yes | In NSW, all cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. |
| VIC | Yes | In VIC, all cats registered with a Victorian local council for the first time must be microchipped before registration, which is compulsory once the animal is 12 weeks of age. |
| QLD | Yes | In QLD, all cats between 8 and 12 weeks of age must be implanted with a microchip, unless there is a reasonable excuse. |
| SA | Yes | In SA, all cats must be microchipped before they are sold, before they reach 12 weeks of age, or within 28 days of an owner taking possession of the cat, whichever happens first. |
| WA | Yes | In WA, all cats must be microchipped prior to transfer or sale and by 6 months of age. |
| TAS | Yes | In TAS, all cats must be microchipped by 6 months of age. |
| NT | No | N/A |
| ACT | Yes | In ACT, all cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. |
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Cat microchipping is a very important part of cat ownership. It is an effective way to identify cats, protect them from harm, and ensure their safety.
In Australia, it is usually required that all cats be microchipped to help with their identification if they are ever lost or stolen.
RPBA requires its registered cat breeders to comply with all state and local legislation, as well as uphold our stringent Code of Ethics. Buy your cat from a RPBA breeder and help encourage responsible cat breeding.
This article contains general information. Always consult with your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your animal/s.
Recognition and support for breeding responsibly at every life moment.
Cat microchipping is a simple procedure where a small transponder chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted beneath the skin of a cat, usually between the shoulderblades.
The chip contains identifying information about your cat and can be used to reunite you with your pet if they ever become separated from you.
In most Australian States and Territories, it is recommended that all cats be microchipped in order to protect against theft and ensure their safe return should they become separated from their owners.
Additionally, the Australian government requires all cats registered for sale in pet shops or at animal shelters to have a microchip installed prior to being adopted.
This helps prevent illegal breeding practices by ensuring that each individual cat can be identified by its unique microchip number.
The benefits of having your cat microchipped go far beyond just being able to track them down if they ever go missing; it also helps protect them from harm or abuse.
By providing proof of ownership through the microchip information stored on the chip, it makes it much more difficult for someone to steal or illegally take custody of your pet without authorization from you as the rightful owner.
The process for having your cat microchipped usually takes no more than 15 minutes and can be performed at most veterinary clinics across Australia.
During this process, an injectable form of transponder chip will be inserted beneath the skin of your cat’s neck using a needle similar in size to those used for vaccinations.
Once inserted into the tissue below the skin’s surface, the chip will remain mostly unnoticeable, but will be able to communicate with a special scanner available at most veterinarian offices and animal shelters.
After the chip has been implanted, you will need to register the details stored on the chip with a state-wide database. This ensures that when someone scans your pet’s chip, they will know who owns them and how best to get in contact with you.
You may have the option to register your cat’s chip with other databases, but this does depend on the chip. Be sure when registering your details that you keep all relevant information up-to-date; this includes things like changes in address or phone numbers.
The rules and regulations will differ for each State and Territory in Australia, and may change with no prior warning. We encourage you to contact your local council for more detailed information regarding your area.
The information presented below is current as of the posting of this article. Cat microchipping is mandatory the following Australian States and Territories:
| State | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Yes | In NSW, all cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. |
| VIC | Yes | In VIC, all cats registered with a Victorian local council for the first time must be microchipped before registration, which is compulsory once the animal is 12 weeks of age. |
| QLD | Yes | In QLD, all cats between 8 and 12 weeks of age must be implanted with a microchip, unless there is a reasonable excuse. |
| SA | Yes | In SA, all cats must be microchipped before they are sold, before they reach 12 weeks of age, or within 28 days of an owner taking possession of the cat, whichever happens first. |
| WA | Yes | In WA, all cats must be microchipped prior to transfer or sale and by 6 months of age. |
| TAS | Yes | In TAS, all cats must be microchipped by 6 months of age. |
| NT | No | N/A |
| ACT | Yes | In ACT, all cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. |
All our registered breeders must follow the RPBA Code of Ethics as well as all state and local legislation to ensure the best standard of care for their pets. If you are interested in becoming a RPBA breeder, click the button below.
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