Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page
Not all microchips are Datachips. When buying microchips be sure to read the specifications.
In order to be classed as a Datachip, in other words able to be written to with the V8BT (RT100) Scanners. The chip must be ISO11784/5 encoded with ICAR series locked and Bits 3/9/10/11/12/13/14/15 must remain unlocked.
As there are requirement for one bit to be 1 for ISO14223 these “Datachips” are ISO 11784/5 compliant.
Up to 28 characters can be written to the chip using the App or software provided together with the V8BT RT100 Read/Write BT4 device.

ACT
Yes. Section 84 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 and Regulation 7 of the Domestic Animals Regulation 2001 requires microchipping of cats and dogs prior to sale/transfer and by 12 weeks of age.
Regulations 7 and 9 of the Domestic Animals Regulation 2001 outline what information must be recorded in the microchip database.
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.
Regulation 8 of the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 outlines what information must be recorded in the microchip database.
NT
No.
QLD
Yes. Sections 13 and 14 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 requires microchipping of cats and dogs prior to sale/transfer and prior to reaching 12 weeks of age.
Schedule 2 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Schedule 4 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Regulation 2009 outline what information must be recorded in the microchip database.
SA
Yes, from 1 July 2018, all dogs and cats must be microchipped. Owners must microchip their dogs and cats by 12 weeks of age or at the point of sale. This includes dogs and cats that are more than 12 weeks of age on 1 July 2018.
Veterinarians may exempt an animal for medical reasons. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous discount microchipping days throughout the state. Visit www.chipblitz.com for upcoming dates, locations and to make a booking. Alternatively, contact your local vet.
From 1 July 2018, all dog and cat microchip details must be recorded on the statewide database, Dogs and Cats Online. Owners will have 24/7 access to Dogs and Cats Online and be able to easily update their details should they move, change phone number or their dog or cat becomes lost or deceased. There is no cost to keep or update a dog’s or cat’s microchip details on Dogs and Cats Online. Go to dogsandcatsonline.com.au from 1 July 2018.
From 1 July 2018, microchip implanters will be required to enter the microchip details in Dogs and Cats Online. Dogs and Cats Online will be the South Australia microchip registry for dogs and cats. Microchip implanters must enter the microchip details into the statewide database. Owners can complete the microchip registration on Dogs and Cats Online following implantation and continue to maintain the register should any of their details change.
Enjoy cheaper dog registration (and cat registration if applicable): Councils offer a registration rebate for ‘standard dogs’, which is a dog that is both microchipped and desexed. Some councils have cat by-laws and cat registration. Cat owners should check requirements with their local council. Veterinary Surgeons and other authorised implanters of microchips will be required to upload details of their microchipping procedures into DACO.
Pet owners in SA will still have the option of additionally storing their registration information on an existing/National database and can request for this to be done at the time of implantation. For further information see the SA Dog & Cat Board website.
Tas
Yes. Section 15A of the Dog Control Act 2000 requires microchipping of dogs by 6 months of age. Part 3 of the Cat Management Act 2009 requires microchipping of cats by 6 months of age.
Vic
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). However the requirement to microchip prior to sale/transfer under section 12A only applies to domestic animal businesses.
Regulation 12 of the Domestic Animals Regulations 2005 outlines what information must be recorded in the microchip database.
For more information click HERE
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.
Under Victorian law, there is no obligation to microchip a horse. However, if you are having your horse microchipped in Victoria, it must be done in accordance with laws that have been introduced to protect the welfare of the horse. For more information click HERE
WA
Yes. Section 21 of the Dog Act 1976 requires dogs to be microchipped when they are 3 months of age, and being 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.
Sections 14 and 23 of the Cat Act 2011 requires microchipping of cats prior to transfer/sale and by 6 months of age.
Only veterinarians or authorised microchip implanters are able to buy and implant microchips.
What are the approved qualifications to implant permanent identification devices into dogs, cats & horses?
- Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Nursing.
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
- Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation.
- Certificate III in Local Government (Animal Management)
- Certificate IV in Animal Welfare (Regulation)
- Certificate III in Animal Technology.
- National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (Level 5) – New Zealand.
- Veterinary Nurse (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) United Kingdom.
- Level 3: Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons – National Vocational Qualification in Veterinary Nursing.
For further information see:
NSW Information
Qld Information
Vic Information
Tas Information
WA Information
SA Information
NT Information
QLD, VIC and ACT vets and implanters are required by law to include lifetime registration with a licensed National registry such as Global Micro ID or The Australasian Animal Registry.
Both Global Micro and AAR operate Australia wide and are trusted pet registration databases recommended by SwissPlus ID.
Our Microchip & PrePaid Online (or paper based) Registration Packages are an ideal solution, taking care of your microchip and registration needs in one easy option.
In SA, WA, NT and TAS vets and implanters can also purchase National registration to add value to their microchipping service and peace of mind to pet owners.
In NSW different rules apply.
In NSW vets & implanters must register owner details on the NSW run registry, this is a free service.
NSW implanters are required to also enter details at PET REGISTRY or by mailing details to their local council.
We strongly recommend National registration in addition to NSW registration.
Our Microchip & Syringe/Implanter solutions are available with or without Registration included.
It’s possible to buy microchips only but you’re required by law to include lifetime registration when implanting.
You must have arrangements with a licensed registry in place.
While SA, WA, NT & TAS vets and implanters are NOT required by law to include lifetime registration when microchipping. We strongly recommend purchasing National registration to add value to the microchipping service and peace of mind to pet owners.
Our Microchip & PrePaid Online (or paper based) Registration Packages are an ideal solution, taking care of your microchip and registration needs in one easy option.
Both Global Micro and AAR operate Australia wide and are trusted pet registration databases recommended by SwissPlus ID.
All quantity requirements are catered for but as a general rule;
- Sterile Syringe microchip packs are supplied in dispenser cartons of 20 units with 5 cartons to a shipping outer. ie. 100 units
- Sterile Bulk Needle packs are sold in dispenser cartons of 30 units (including 3 re-useable Syringe units per carton), with 5 cartons to a shipping outer. ie. 150 units
- Paper based registration is provided in matching quantities while online registration can be pre-padi and utilised across a number of practices in any vet group.
- Readers/Scanners are sold in any quantity

In order to reduce sharps waste we created the double plunger syringe implanter. This means the microchip is delivered in its own sterile canula (needle) pack, a sterile sealed pouch which includes a protective cap and a set of matching barcodes.
In every dispenser carton we provide 30 individually packed canula’s together with 3 re-usable ergonomic syringe/implanter devices.
Post application the needle is unscrewed, the cap re-applied and the needle assembly unscrewed and disposed of. This means that the syringe element can be re-used multiple times, reducing waste.

In every SwissPlus iD ziplok pack we provide everything you require. regardless of the microchip size (8mm or 12mm).
- 10 x Sterile Pouch Syringe Packs
- 30 x Sterile Bulk Needle/Canula Packs PLUS 3 re-usable syringe handles
Ziplok packs are shipped in outers of 20 for syringe packs and 10 for needle/cannula packs.
Recommended Implant Sites
(prepared by Dr F Nind for ISO WG3)
Mammals:
Canine and Feline:
To comply with international standards, the microchip is implanted subcutaneously between the shoulder blades. All vets, SPCAs and Welfare Societies are requested to adhere to this. Scanning however should still be done on the left hand side of the neck as well as between the shoulder blades.
Equine:
There are two recognized implantation sites currently in use:
- Recommended implant site in all countries except Australia :
The microchip is implanted within the nuchal ligament in its middle third or at the halfway point between the ears and the withers. - Australia:
The microchip is implanted in the musculature of the left neck or the anterior injection triangle. Clipping of the hair, local anaesthetic and aseptic technique is required.
Agricultural Animals:
The implantation site for bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine and/or other species used for meat production is subcutaneously at the base of the left ear on the scutiform cartilage or alternatively under the tail.
Elephant:
Subcutaneously on the left side of the tail in the main caudal fold.
Hyrax and Loris:
Subcutaneously on the left side of the intra lumbar area.
Alpacas: (as per Australia)
Subcutaneously midway on the left neck or top of the head behind left ear
Other Mammals:
If the adult distance >17cm from the backbone (spine) to the shoulder blade, then the implant site is subcutaneously at the base of the left ear. If <17cm then the implant site is subcutaneously between the shoulder blades.
Amphibians:
The microchip is to be implanted into the lymphatic cavity.
The implantation site should be sealed with tissue glue.
Reptiles:
Chelonia:
Left hind limb socket. Use a subcutaneous site in small Chelonia and an intramuscular technique in large species as well as small species with thin skin. The implant site should be sealed with tissue glue.
Hibernating species should be implanted several weeks before the end of their active season in order to allow healing before hibernation.
Crocidilians:
Subcutaneously anterior to the nuchal cluster.
Lizards:
12.5 cm snout to vent length: subcutaneously in the left inguinal region.
12.5 cm snout to vent length: intracoelomic. Snakes:
There are two possible implant sites:
1. Subcutaneously on the left side of the neck, twice the length of the head from the tip of the nose.
2. Subcutaneously into the muscle on the dorsal aspect of the tail.
Note: Due to size of the implanter needle (4mm), and the possibility of injury to the reptile, it is recommended that snakes below 13mm in diameter not be microchipped. For these reptiles (eg twig snakes),dispensation not to implant a microchip should be applied.
Avians:
Chelonia:
1.5 kg adult weight and/or long-legged: subcutaneously at the base of the neck.
1.5 kg adult weight: intramuscularly in the left pectoral muscle. Direct the implanter in the caudal (downward) direction. Use tissue glue and digital pressure or suture to seal the implantation site. Exceptions to the above:
Ostrich:
Up to four days old – implanted in the piping muscle behind the head on the left.
Older birds – subcutaneously at back of head (not subcutaneously in left thigh as ostrich are commonly used as food
animals.)
Fish:
30 cm in length: on the left side at the anterior base of the dorsal fin.
30 cm in length: on the left side into the coelomic cavity
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