Last updated: 21 Mar, 2023
Published on: 1 Apr, 2022
Microchip requirements for pet listings
Hi Members,
As the PetRescue community continues to grow, PetRescue members are recognised by adopters as trusted and reputable members of the rescue community.
But with the rise in popularity of rescue pets, Australia has seen an increase in adoption and donations scams, short-lived rescue ventures and individuals and organisations not doing right by the pets in their care.
For this reason, we have updated microchip requirements for pet listings.
All cats and dogs (over the age of 12 weeks) listed on PetRescue are now required to have a valid microchip number. If a listing is found to have an invalid or false microchip number, then we may suspend that listing until a valid microchip number is provided.
It's sometimes easy to mistype or copy and paste in the wrong microchip number, so we've added helpers to prompt for valid microchip information just in case the given information doesn't match validation requirements.
Valid chips and publishing rules need to meet the legal requirements and standards for FDXA or ISO. Find more information here.
Hiding microchip numbers
Some rescues may have privacy concerns when rehoming seized or surrendered pets. That is why we have provided groups with the option to hide microchip numbers for all your pet listings. You can do this by editing your 'Group Profile'. If you scroll down to the 'Group Settings', you'll find a toggle option that lets you hide microchip numbers like the image below:
Please note that this feature will only let you hide microchip numbers in states that don't require it.
Exemptions to this requirement
If you feel your organisation needs an exemption to the microchip requirement, you can request one by reaching out to us via the PetRescue member's inbox. Once the request is reviewed by our team, an exemption may be granted.
Microchip rules as per state
Below are the state microchipping requirements for Cats and Dogs:
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ACT- Yes, Section 84 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 and Regulation 7 of the Domestic Animals Regulation 2001 require microchipping of cats and dogs prior to sale/transfer and by 12 weeks of age.
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NSW- Yes, Section 8 of the Companion Animals Act 1998 requires microchipping of cats and dogs prior to sale/transfer and by 12 weeks of age. From 1 July 2019, it is mandatory for anyone selling or giving away a dog or cat to use an identification number in their advertisement – this number can either be the microchip number or breeder identification number or a rehoming organisation number. This is enforced under Section 23 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. This allows buyers to search the NSW Pet Registry to see the pet’s details and make informed purchasing decisions.
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NT- No, however, it is compulsory if you are within the City of Darwin as part of the Council’s Animal Management By-Laws.
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QLD- Yes, Section 14 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 requires microchipping of cats and dogs prior to reaching 12 weeks of age unless there is a reasonable excuse.
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SA- Yes, from 1st July 2018, part 4A of the Dog and Cat Management (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2016 (SA) requires microchipping of cats and dogs prior to sale/transfer and prior to reaching 12 weeks of age.
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TAS- Yes for dogs. Section 15A of the Dog Control Act 2000 requires microchipping of dogs by 6 months of age. Not yet for cats.
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VIC- Yes, Section 10C of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires cats and dogs to be microchipped as a condition of registration (which is compulsory once the animal is 3 months of age). Section 12A (2) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires an animal’s microchip number to be displayed in any advertisement for the animal, but not at the point of sale. If the seller is a ‘domestic animal business’ the breeder must display the microchip number or the breeder registration number, and the name of the issuing Council.
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WA- Yes, Section 21 of the Dog Act 1976 requires dogs to be microchipped when they are 3 months of age, and being registered for the first time or when a change of ownership occurs. As of 1 November 2015, all dogs that have reached 3 months of age must be microchipped regardless of registration status.
Microchipping requirements for rabbits:
QLD - All rabbits must be microchipped and desexed within 6 months of obtaining the rabbit if a juvenile, or on obtaining the rabbit as an adult, unless written advice has been obtained by a veterinarian that desexing would be detrimental to its welfare.
Your feedback is always appreciated! If you have more concerns or questions that we can assist with, email us at members@petrescue.org.au.
Get more information on hiding microchip listings here.