Microchipping helps ensure your pet can always be identified and is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep them safe. Our pet microchipping service provides permanent identification for dogs, cats, and exotic pets, helping reunite families quickly if a pet ever becomes lost.

Whether you’re welcoming a new companion or updating your pet’s details, our team is here to make microchipping straightforward, gentle, and stress‑free.

Why microchipping is essential for your pet

Microchipping your pet is a small step that makes a big difference. It’s a reliable, lifelong form of identification that can’t fall off, fade, or be removed like a collar tag.

Permanent identification that reunites lost pets

A microchip gives your pet a unique identification number that links to your contact details. If your pet is found and scanned at a vet clinic, shelter, or council, you can be contacted quickly, often within hours. For many families, pet microchipping has been the key to a happy reunion.

A simple procedure with lifelong protection

Microchipping your pet takes only moments and provides lifelong protection. The microchip itself is tiny, about the size of a grain of rice, and is implanted just under the skin. Once in place, it stays with your pet permanently.

Knowing your pet can be identified anywhere in Australia is reassuring. Even indoor pets, or pets who rarely leave the home, benefit from microchipping, as unexpected escapes happen more often than people think.

How pet microchipping works

Microchipping of dogs, cats, and other species follows the same basic principle: a permanent, scannable ID that links your pet to you.

What a pet microchip is and how it’s implanted

A microchip is a tiny electronic device that contains a unique number. During your appointment, our team implants it under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades using a specialised applicator. The process is quick, safe, and similar to receiving a routine vaccination.

Benefits for cats, dogs, and exotic pets

All pets benefit from microchipping – not just dogs. Cats, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, and other exotic pets can also be microchipped. This ensures they can be identified if they’re found by a member of the public or brought to a vet clinic.

Species‑specific considerations and sedation

Most pets do not require sedation for microchipping. However, some exotic pets or very small animals may benefit from light sedation to ensure the procedure is safe and comfortable. Our team will guide you based on your pet’s species, size, and temperament.

Book your microchipping appointment with Lort Smith

Our pet microchipping service is available at both the North Melbourne and Campbellfield locations. You can either book a standard consultation with our team to have the microchip implanted or request it as an add-on when your pet has a vaccination or is being desexed. You’ll receive your pet’s microchip number at the appointment, which you’ll need when registering your dog or cat with your local council.

Please note that ahead of your pet’s microchip implant, you will need to visit the Pet Exchange Register to obtain a source code and provide it at your appointment.

Book online here or call our team on 03 9328 3021

What to expect during the visit

Your vet will:

  • Confirm your pet’s details
  • Implant the microchip
  • Scan it to ensure it’s working
  • Register the microchip with the appropriate database

You’ll leave with everything you need to keep your pet’s information up to date.

Preparing your pet for the procedure

There’s no special preparation required. For dogs, ensure you bring along a secure lead; for cats and small pets, a carrier keeps them safe and calm.

After care and what to watch out for

Most pets show no signs of discomfort after microchipping. Occasionally, mild swelling at the implant site may occur and usually resolves quickly. If you notice anything unusual, our team is here to help.

Compliance with Victorian law

In Victoria, dogs and cats need to be microchipped before they can be registered with your local council, and registration is required by three months of age. If you’re adopting, purchasing, or rehoming a dog or cat, you’ll receive their microchip details so you can update your contact information on the registry.

These steps help ensure every pet can be identified quickly if they ever go missing

Microchipping is legally required in Victoria

Under Victorian legislation, all dogs and cats must be microchipped before they can be registered with your local council. This applies whether your pet is adopted, purchased, or rehomed.

Council registration requirements

You must provide your pet’s microchip number when registering them with your local council. This helps ensure accurate identification and supports responsible pet ownership.

Legal responsibilities when selling or rehoming pets

Anyone selling, giving away, or rehoming a pet must ensure the animal is microchipped and that the new owner’s details are updated on the microchip registry. More information is available through the Victorian Government’s Pet Exchange Register and microchipping guidelines.

How Lort Smith performs microchipping

In Victoria, microchipping must be performed by a qualified implanter, such as a veterinarian or authorised microchip implanter. Our team will always prioritise safety, accuracy, and your pet’s comfort.

Safe, quick and minimally invasive

Microchipping is a fast, minimally invasive procedure performed with sterile equipment. Most pets tolerate it extremely well.

Accurate registration and database support

We handle the initial microchip registration and can guide you on updating your details in the future. Keeping your contact information up to date is essential for the microchip to work effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions