Pet owners reminded to check the chips

Published on 22 March 2021

Rockhampton Regional Council is reminding residents to check their pets’ microchip details are up to date.

The appeal comes after figures from the Rockhampton Animal Management Centre shows that only half of lost microchipped pets making their way to the facility have up to date details.

Councillor for Planning and Regulation, Ellen Smith, said that from March last year to now, 294 of 604 lost pets had out of date data.

“It’s really important to remember that the duty of care doesn’t stop once your pet is microchipped,” Cr Smith said.

“Nobody wants their pet to ever go missing, but an up to date microchip greatly increases the chances of your pet coming back home.

“Unfortunately one in three pets will become lost at some point in their lives and when an animal is found by or brought to our staff at the Animal Management Centre, one of the very first things staff do is scan for a chip and see if the owner can be traced.

“If the chip has out of date details such as old contact information, it can mean it’s an even harder job to track down pet owners and an even longer wait for the pet to be back in its own home where it belongs.

“It’s a very small piece of technology – but it can make an enormous difference for your pet.”

Cr Smith said a recent heart-warming reunion between a local pet and owner is a perfect example of its success. 

“Our staff had the pleasure of reuniting a local cat, Nigel with his owner, Kim last November after Nigel went missing from their Rockhampton home more than one and a half years prior,” Cr Smith said.

“We’re not sure where he was between when he went missing in March and when he arrived at the Centre in November, but his up to date microchip meant he was back home with his family soon after arriving.”

Pet owner, Kim Creek said the family’s seven year old kitty went missing after the family moved to Rockhampton.

“Despite months of searching, we weren’t able to find Nigel and were overjoyed when the Council called,” Mrs Creek said.

“He is now back to his normal weight and living his best life.”

Microcoip details can be checked and updated by heading here. 

For further details on microchipping, including current subsidies,click here. 

Fast facts on microchipping:

• Microchipping can only be done by an authorised microchip provider such as a vet.
• Microchips don’t wear off or fall off, they are a permanent form of identification.
• If your dog is desexed, microchipping will further reduce your registration fee.
• Once microchipped, it’s important to ensure your contact and address details are current with both Council and the company in which your microchip was provided.