Microchipping

At Lort Smith we highly recommend microchipping all pets, as a microchip is a way of providing proof of ownership in the event the pet is lost. Microchipping also provides you with the best possible chance of being reunited with your beloved family member.

We believe all exotic pets (non cat and dogs) also benefit from microchips as it’s difficult to use the more traditional ID such as collars with tags. However, the process for microchipping different species of animals should be discussed first with our vets as they may need sedation depending on their size and health status. During your pet’s next consult, please discuss what we would recommend for your pet or give Lort Smith a call to find out more.

A microchip is a small, safe, inert implant that is approximately the size and shape of a grain of rice. It is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades of the dog or cat, much like any injection, although with a larger needle. When scanned with the appropriate device it provides a read-out of a unique 15-digit number. This number provides the essential link between you and your pet.

Regulation requires that every animal that is microchipped in Victoria has the chip number and your details registered with one of five animal registries in Australia. Vet clinics, shelters and pounds have the means to scan an animal for a microchip. From the number of the chip, these facilities can then contact a registry with the number in order to trace the animal back to its rightful carer.

After your pet is microchipped, you will be sent a certificate of identification from a registry. It is important to keep this certificate safe and remember to contact the registry if any of your contact details change. If these details are not up-to-date, it makes tracing your lost pet back to you much more difficult, even if your pet has a microchip implanted.

Fees and Payments

Lort Smith provides high-quality affordable animal health care to the whole community. By choosing Lort Smith Animal Hospital you are: providing your pet with expert care; offsetting the cost of vet care to people experiencing hardship; and contributing to the rehabilitation of vulnerable animals.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for parking and checking-in at reception.

For more information – View our fees and payment options