Microchip requirements for PetRescue listings
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, all cats and dogs (over the age of 12 weeks) listed on PetRescue are required to have a valid microchip number. If a listing is found to have an invalid or false microchip number, 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 if the given information doesn't match validation requirements.
If your organisation has privacy concerns when rehoming seized or surrendered pets, we have provided groups with the option to hide microchip numbers for all your pet listings.
Exemptions to this requirement
If you feel your organisation needs an exemption to the microchip requirement, you can request this in advance by reaching out via members@petrescue.org.au. Once our team reviews the request, an exemption may be granted.
Below are the microchipping requirements for cats and dogs per state:
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.
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.
NT
No, however, it is compulsory if you are within the City of Darwin as part of the Council’s Animal Management By-Laws.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WA
Yes, Section 21 of the Dog Act 1976 requires dogs to be microchipped when they are 3 months of age and 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.