Microchipping Your Dog: Is It Worth It?

As a new dog owner, there can be a lot of anxieties about taking on a new and important responsibility. It is nerve-wracking to make the right decisions to support your dog and keep them safe.

Having a microchipped pet is equally as important as having your pet registered. It helps keep your dog safe and increases the likelihood that they are returned to you sooner and easier if they become lost.

Microchipping is also a quick and easy procedure that poses no risk to your K9 companion’s health. We care about every dog that we treat and recommend that all pet owners microchip their dogs to help protect them as best as possible.

What Does A Microchip Do?

The microchip we use to implant in pets is a small electronic device that works as a permanent method of identification. Each chip stores a unique number that can be detected with a microchip scanner, stored on a database registry with essential details about your pet and you as the owner.

Lost pets are easier to locate if they are microchipped. Animal shelters, vets, and local councils can scan your pet for a microchip number and use the database to find you.

From there, the microchip uses your information to contact you, ensuring your pet’s safe return. With microchipping, the return of your animal is far more likely.

How Is A Microchip Implanted?

Your vet can quickly and easily implant the microchip during a regular consultation. The chip is about the size of a grain, and the implantation does not require anesthesia or pain relief as the chip is tiny.

Your vet will implant the microchip between the shoulder blades just underneath your pet’s skin. After implanting the chip, your vet will use a microchip scanner to verify that the microchip is easily detectable.

Why Is Microchipping Important?

Microchipping is an essential step to protecting your dog and ensuring responsible pet ownership. It is a legal requirement to chip your animal with up-to-date details in Western Australia and across many other states.

Microchipping your pet reduces the number of lost dogs that result in animal shelters. Then, with the microchip number, you are easily contactable.

For companion animals, microchipping is incredibly important to maintain their safety. Companion animals are vital to their owners to protect and care for them. These dogs deserve the same courtesy.

How Much Does Microchipping Cost?

On average, you can expect microchipping your pet to cost up to $75, depending on your veterinarian. We charge $55 for a surgical procedure like desexing or $65 if completed within a consultation. It is a one-time payment as the microchip is good for at least 25 years which is longer than the lifespan for most dogs.

What Is The Best Age To Have Your Dog Microchipped?

There is no specific age at which to microchip your pet. We can perform this procedure on your dog at any age without impacting their health.

As always, we recommend microchipping your pets as early as possible for their protection and staying compliant with WA regulations.

If your pet was already microchipped before your adoption, you should ensure that the contact details are up-to-date. Updated contact details will ensure that your pet’s identification traces back to you.

Can I Update My Contact Details?

Yes, you can update the identification details in your pet’s microchip. Through Pet Address, you can find out what microchip database your animal is registered with and update your details online.

In most Australian states, registration on the national database is a legal requirement. However, in New South Wales, you are only required to register your dog on the state-wide registry. This means if you have moved to Western Australia from NSW, you will need to check on Pet Address to see if your dog is on the national database. If not, you can easily register your dog online, but this may incur registration fees.

We can’t stress this enough – up-to-date contact information protects you and your dog. If your pet is stolen and later found, you can challenge ownership as the original owner using the information through the microchip database.

Can You Track Your Dog With A Microchip?

The short answer is no; pets cannot have their location tracked using the implanted microchip. Your animal’s microchip has no power source and doesn’t emit any signal, so it cannot be used to locate a lost pet.

The microchip can only be used to find out the identification number and look up your contact details as the pet’s owner if your pet is found and taken somewhere with a microchip scanner.

There are options to track your pet’s location using GPS. These devices are often attached or built-in to your pet’s collar and can be purchased online or at some local pet stores.

Do I Need To Microchip My Pet Before Travel Abroad?

Did you know some countries only allow microchipped dogs to enter their country? This rule varies depending on the country, and it is something you should consider as you don’t want to get caught out when standing in the airport.

Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many other countries require your pets to have microchips before entering the country.

Even if the country does not require your animal to be microchipped, having your pet microchipped before travelling is highly recommended. If you lose your dog at any point, your pet’s microchip number is trackable by animal shelters and vets alike.

If you are still unsure about getting your furry friend microchipped and have any concerns about this, feel free to contact us, and we can help answer any of your questions.