Microchipping
By: Responsible Group Australia Updated 4 December, 2024
What Is Microchipping for Dogs?
Microchipping might sound a little high-tech, but at its heart, it’s a simple and effective way to keep your dog connected to you. Think of it as a permanent ticket home if they ever wander off or end up lost.
This small, rice-sized device—a tiny marvel, really—is implanted under your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. It holds a unique ID number that’s readable with a scanner. When a vet or animal shelter runs the scanner over your dog, the chip emits a signal, and voilà, your contact info pops up on a registry.
The technology has been around since the 1980s and became widely used by the early 1990s. Today, it helps save thousands of dogs from remaining lost or ending up in shelters indefinitely.
Why Microchipping Matters
Let’s be honest—no pet owner wants to think about their dog going missing, but the reality is that it happens. Dogs with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their families. The numbers don’t lie: the odds of a microchipped dog making it back home are more than double those of dogs without one.
Traditional ID tags can break, collars can fall off, and tattoos on skin aren’t foolproof. But a microchip? It stays put. It doesn’t require upkeep or fancy apps. It’s simply there, ready to work when it’s needed most.
Not only does it help with lost pets, but a microchip can also settle disputes about ownership. If someone tries to claim your dog isn’t yours, that tiny chip provides irrefutable proof that you’re the rightful human in the relationship.
How Is a Microchip Implanted?
The process is quicker than you’d think—blink, and you might miss it. A vet uses a small needle to place the chip just beneath the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. Most dogs don’t even flinch, and if they do, it’s no more uncomfortable than a regular vaccination.
After the procedure, your dog might need to take it easy for a couple of days, so no wild games of tug-of-war or frenzied zoomies around the yard. This lets the chip settle in securely. But that’s about it—no stitches, no recovery drama, just a simple safeguard that lasts a lifetime.
Where Can You Have Your Dog Microchipped?
The effective way to get your dog microchipped is by visiting a vet or animal clinic. It’s an affordable process typically ranging from $40 to $60.
After the chip is implanted it’s important to register yourself as the dogs owner to ensure that all necessary information is properly stored in the database and linked to your pets ID number. This usually involves completing some paperwork.
Additionally it’s crucial to keep your records updated by notifying the registry of any changes, such as address modifications or medical updates. This ensures that accurate contact information is readily available, in case someone needs to reach you regarding your dog.
Do I Need to Have my Dog Microchipped?
In many parts of Australia, microchipping isn’t just a recommendation—it’s the law. Depending on your state or territory, owning or breeding dogs without a microchip could land you in hot water. Local councils enforce these regulations, and the rules can shift, so it’s smart to stay in the loop.
For RPBA members, following these legal guidelines is non-negotiable. Responsible breeding and pet ownership start with meeting these basic requirements, ensuring that every dog has the best chance of staying safe and accounted for.
The information presented below is current as of the posting of this article. Dog microchipping is mandatory in the following Australian States and Territories:
| STATE | MANDATORY? | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
|
NSW |
Yes |
In NSW, all dogs, other than exempt dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. |
|
VIC |
Yes |
In VIC, all dogs being 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 dogs between 8 and 12 weeks of age must be implanted with a microchip. |
|
SA |
Yes |
In SA, all dogs 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 dog, whichever happens first. |
|
WA |
Yes |
In WA, all dogs must be microchipped once they are over 12 weeks of age. |
|
TAS |
Yes |
In TAS, all dogs must be microchipped by 6 months of age. |
|
NT |
No |
N/A |
|
ACT |
Yes |
In ACT, all dogs 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 here.
This article contains general information. Always consult with your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your animal/s.
STATE
NSW
MANDATORY
YES
NOTES
In NSW, all dogs, other than exempt dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first.
STATE
VIC
MANDATORY
YES
NOTES
In VIC, all dogs being 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.
STATE
QLD
MANDATORY
YES
NOTES
In QLD, all dogs between 8 and 12 weeks of age must be implanted with a microchip.
STATE
SA
MANDATORY
YES
NOTES
In SA, all dogs 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 dog, whichever happens first.
STATE
WA
MANDATORY
YES
NOTES
In WA, all dogs must be microchipped once they are over 12 weeks of age
STATE
TAS
MANDATORY
YES
NOTES
In TAS, all dogs must be microchipped by 6 months of age.
STATE
NT
MANDATORY
NO
NOTES
N/A
STATE
ACT
MANDATORY
YES
NOTES
In ACT, all dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first.
