In recent years, smart devices, such as a microchip dog door, have enabled owners to better monitor and control the activity and safety of their pets. There are many benefits to your dog or cat having a microchip. Microchips are a means of electronic identification for your pet dog or cat. No larger than a grain of rice, microchips are implanted in the back of your pet’s neck, in between its shoulder blades. Every microchip has a unique number that is detectable by a microchip scanner. This number is linked to a microchip database with specific information about the pet and its owner. This is critical because if pets become lost, animal shelters have the capability to scan the pet’s microchip and contact the owner when there is a link in the database. Accordingly, it is critical for owners to ensure that their contact information is accurate and kept up to date in the database. In addition, if ownership changes for a pet, this change in the pet owner’s contact information must also be noted in the database.
Below we explore some additional important facts about microchips for pets:
When and Where Should You Microchip Your Pet?
While it is best for your dog or cat to already have a microchip by the time of adoption or purchase (as this allows you to easily trace your pet’s origin), if this is not the case, you can make a vet appointment to have the procedure done. Authorized microchip implanters, which include vets and animal welfare organizations, are allowed to microchip pets. In addition, local councils will sometimes hold days where they microchip pets.
Is it Compulsory for Pets to Have Microchips?
The majority of states and territories require that your cats and dogs have microchips. While having your pet microchipped, it is not yet mandatory in the Northern Territory, but it is still recommended that you take this step for the reasons we have outlined above. By taking additional measures, such as installing a microchip dog door, you can even better monitor your pet’s activity and safety.
How Should You Change Contact Information within the Pet Microchip Registry Database?
The best method for changing contact information is to search the website http://www.petaddress.com.au/ by the microchip number of your pet. The website will connect pet owners to the database that holds their dog or cat’s microchip number. In addition, many registries provide useful Change of Address forms. Another option is to contact your vet or the microchip implanter, who can direct you to the database where your pet’s microchip number is listed.
Barbara Ratliff 
Daryl Green