Did you know?

Pets moving between states are not automatically transferred to the new state’s animal registry. Owners must update or register their pet in the state they now live in, as it is the official registry. If the microchip is not recorded on that registry, a search may return no owner details - meaning you cannot be contacted if your pet is found.

Microchip

Are your pet(s) microchip details up to date?

Have you moved or gotten a new contact number?
Have you personally checked that your animals details are currently upto date?

If you purchased a dog/cat off a breeder: they should have given you a copy of a change of ownership form that was lodged with the council. If the animals microchip was successfully changed into your name you would have received a typed letter from the Council with your pets details and the new owner's details. (the new owner being you)

If you took ownership of an animal being given away:

If the animal was microchipped when being given away the old owner should have given you a copy of a change of ownership form that they are responsible for lodging with the council. If the animals microchip was successfully changed into your name you would have received a typed letter from the Council with your pets details and the new owner's details. (the new owner being you)

If you took got your animal microchipped:

If you got your animal microchipped the implanter should have given you a copy of a change of ownership form that they are responsible for lodging with the council. If the animals microchip was successfully changed into your name you would have received a typed letter from the Council with your pets details and the new owner's details. (the new owner being you)

Where can I find my pets microchip number?

1. Microchip Registration Certificate

When your pet was first microchipped, you should have received a certificate or registration paperwork. The microchip number is printed on this document.

2. Local Pet Registry

In New South Wales, you can log into the NSW Pet Registry online using your account.Your pet’s profile will show the microchip number and registration details.

3. Your Veterinarian

Your vet clinic should have your pet’s microchip on file.

4. Council Records

Your local council may also have the number on file if your pet is registered with them.

5. Adoption or Purchase Paperwork

If you adopted from a rescue or bought from a breeder, the microchip number should be on:

Adoption contract
Breeder paperwork
Desexing or vaccination records

What registry is my pet listed on?

To find out what registry your pet is listed on you can enter your pets microchip number into the website below.

https://petaddress.com.au/

The results will tell you what register your pet is listed on.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW Pet Registry
Mandatory state database for cats and dogs
Used for microchipping, lifetime registration, and ownership changes

Victoria (VIC)

No single state-run registry for microchips
Pets are recorded with approved national databases such as:
- Central Animal Records
- Australasian Animal Registry
Local councils handle pet registration separately

Queensland (QLD)

Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Register
State government database for regulated dogs
Most pets still recorded through national microchip databases

South Australia (SA)

Dogs and Cats Online
Statewide system for microchip, breeder, and registration details

Western Australia (WA)

State law requires microchipping
Data held with approved national microchip registries
Local councils manage registration

Tasmania (TAS)

Microchipping required
Records kept with approved national databases
Councils handle registration

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ACT Domestic Animal Services
Government system for registration and microchip records

Northern Territory (NT)

No single territory-wide microchip database
Microchip data stored with national registries
Councils manage registration

Where can I check my details or update my details?

1. In Australia, you can check or update your pet’s microchip details through the state-based registry or the national databases where your pet is registered.

NSW Pet Registry - https://petreg.nsw.gov.au/

If your pet isn’t in the NSW registry (for example, chipped before moving states or by certain vets),

check these national databases:

Central Animal Records – https://www.car.com.au
Australasian Animal Registry – https://www.aar.org.au
Global Micro Animal Registry – https://www.globalmicro.com.au
Petsafe Microchip Registry – https://www.petsafe.net

2. Local Council

3. Mail - Please note this is NOT an instant process. It can take weeks to have your details updated this way

https://www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/change-of-owner-c3a.pdf

Pets moving between states are not automatically transferred to the new state’s animal registry. Owners must update or register their pet in the state they now live in, as it is the official registry. If the microchip is not recorded on that registry, a search may return no owner details - meaning you cannot be contacted if your pet is found.