Dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, or before being sold or given away — whichever comes first. Registration is managed through the NSW Pet Registry (managed by the government) . 1 Council registration is also compulsory and handled separately.

Dogs must be microchipped by 3 months of age. Details are registered on the Domestic animal (microchip) registries . 2 ouncil registration is required annually.

Dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, or before being sold or rehomed. Details are entered into an approved national microchip registry . 3 Council registration is compulsory.

Dogs must be microchipped by 6 months of age. Details are entered into an approved national microchip registry . 4 Council registration is required.

Dogs must be microchipped before 12 weeks of age, or within 28 days of becoming an ACT resident. Details are entered into an approved national microchip registry . 5

Dogs must be microchipped before being sold, given away, or transferred to a new owner. The microchip needs to be registered on the statewide Dogs and Cats Online . 6 Council registration is required.

Dogs must be microchipped by 3 months of age. Details are registered with an approved national microchip registry . 7 Council registration is also compulsory.

There is currently no territory-wide microchipping law in the Northern Territory. However, it is compulsory within the City of Darwin under the Council's Animal Management By-Laws, and other local governments may introduce their own requirements. 8 Check with your local council to confirm what applies in your area.

Does my microchipped dog still need a council registration tag?

Yes — in most states these are two separate legal requirements. The microchip is your dog's permanent ID; the council tag is proof of annual registration with your local council. Both are required, and council registration typically needs renewing each year.

My puppy came from a breeder already microchipped. What do I need to do?

Transfer the registration into your name as soon as possible. Your breeder should provide you with the microchip number and the name of the registry it's enrolled in. Most allow online transfers - or your vet can help. Until the transfer is done, the chip is still linked to the breeder's details.

Can a microchip move or stop working?

Chip migration, where the chip shifts slightly from its original position, does occasionally happen, particularly in smaller or more active dogs. It's one of the reasons vets scan the whole body rather than just between the shoulder blades. Chips very rarely stop working altogether, but asking your vet to check it's still readable at annual check-ups is a good habit.

My dog has gone missing. How do councils and shelters use the microchip?

Any vet clinic, council or shelter can scan for a chip at no cost. If a chip is found, they'll search the relevant registry and contact the registered owner. This is why keeping your details current matters so much — the chip can only do its job if the contact information attached to it is right.

Do I need to microchip a dog before rehoming them?

In most states, yes- the dog must be microchipped before transfer, and the new owner needs to update the registration. Check your state's specific rules, as requirements around timing and responsibility do vary.

Last Updated: 11/06/2026

Microchipping Your Dog: A Vet Guide for Aussie Pet Parents

Microchipping is compulsory for dogs across all of Australia. Our vets explain the state-by-state rules, what the procedure involves, and what most owners forget to do afterwards.

Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read

king charles cavalier sitting on bench at vet

Dogs are escape artists. A gate left open, a loose lead, a moment of distraction at the park, and suddenly your dog is gone. Microchipping won't stop them from running off, but it dramatically improves the odds of getting them back.

If you've just brought home a puppy, or you're thinking about adopting a dog, here's everything you need to know about microchipping in Australia — what the law requires, what to expect from the procedure, and what most owners forget to do afterwards.

Key points

Microchipping dogs is a legal requirement in every Australian state and territory, with the age by which it must be done varying from 8 weeks to 6 months depending on where you live.
A microchip is a tiny implant about the size of a grain of rice that sits under your dog's skin and links to a national pet registry.
Microchipping alone is not enough. You also need to keep your contact details up to date, and in most states, register your dog with your local council separately.

What is a dog microchip, and how does it work?

A microchip is a small electronic ID - roughly the size of a grain of rice- injected under the skin between your dog's shoulder blades by a vet or authorised microchip implanter. No anaesthetic is needed, and most dogs handle it without much fuss.

The chip doesn't have a battery, doesn't track your dog in real time, and won't show you their location on a map. What it does have is a unique 15-digit number. When a vet, council or shelter scans your dog, that number is matched to your contact details stored on the registry. That's how lost dogs find their way home.

A microchip is permanent. It doesn't need recharging, replacing, or servicing of any kind. The only thing you need to keep up to date is the contact information linked to it, and that part is up to the owner.

Is microchipping dogs mandatory in Australia?

Yes, microchipping is compulsory for dogs across every state and territory in Australia. Dog microchipping laws are well established across Australia, and councils can take compliance very seriously.

The age at which microchipping must be done, and the registry used, varies by state. Microchip implanters are legally required to submit paperwork to the relevant registry at the time of the procedure, but it's worth following up after implantation to confirming your details are lodged and correct.

A note on exemptions: A vet can issue a written exemption in cases where microchipping would pose a genuine risk to your dog's health. These are uncommon.

How is a dog microchipped?

It's a quick procedure with most owners surprised by how straightforward it is. Your dog is gently restrained, a small fold of skin between the shoulder blades is lifted, and the chip is injected through a needle slightly larger than a standard vaccine needle. It's over in seconds.

No anaesthetic is needed for the procedure itself, though many breeders and rescues choose to microchip while a puppy is already under anaesthetic for desexing — practical, and one less needle on a separate day.

Larger dogs tend to barely notice. Smaller or more anxious dogs may react more to the handling than the injection itself. A calm voice and a treat at the end goes a long way!

How much does it cost to microchip a dog in Australia?

Most vet clinics charge between $60 and $90 for microchipping. Councils, shelters, and the RSPCA occasionally run low-cost microchipping events, and most puppies from registered breeders or shelters will already arrive chipped, in which case you just need to transfer the registration into your name.

Worth noting: microchipping is a one-off cost, but council registration is an ongoing annual fee. The amount varies depending on your location and whether your dog is desexed - desexed dogs typically attract a lower registration fee, which is another good reason to get that sorted early!

Looking for more information? Read our veterinary written article: Council registration for dogs in Australia.

How to find your dog's microchip registry

Not sure which database holds your dog's details? Visit the Pet Address website and enter the 15-digit microchip number. It searches the main national databases automatically and will identify where your dog's information is stored.

Please note: Pet Address only searches approved national databases. If your dog doesn't appear, they may be registered on a state-based system — particularly in NSW or SA, which don't automatically link with national registers. Check your original microchip paperwork or contact your vet if you're unsure.

How to update your dog's microchip details

This is the step most owners forget — and it's arguably the most important one. A microchip linked to an old address or disconnected phone number won't help reunite you with a lost dog.

Update your details whenever you move house, change your phone number, or rehome a dog. You can do this by logging into the relevant registry directly, contacting your vet for assistance, or checking your original microchip certificate for the registry name.

If you've recently adopted a dog and the chip is still registered to the previous owner or breeder, transferring it into your name should be one of the first things on your list!

Dog Microchipping FAQs

Microchipping takes seconds and lasts a lifetime. For dogs especially, who can easily find themselves somewhere they shouldn't be- it's one of the most practical things you can do as an owner.

Get it done early, transfer the registration into your name if you haven't already, and keep your contact details current. The microchip can only bring your dog home if the information attached to it is accurate.

References

NSW Office of Local Government. Microchipping. NSW Pet Registry — Owners. Available at: olg.nsw.gov.au. Accessed June 2026.
Agriculture Victoria. Microchipping of dogs and cats. Animal Welfare Victoria — Domestic Animals Act. Available at: agriculture.vic.gov.au. Last updated: 6 November 2025. Accessed June 2026.
Business Queensland. Microchipping laws for the sale of cats and dogs. Queensland Government. Available at: business.qld.gov.au. Last updated: 16 November 2016. Accessed June 2026.
Department of Premier and Cabinet Tasmania. Microchipping, registration and desexing dogs. Tasmanian Government — Local Government Dog Control. Available at: dpac.tas.gov.au. Last updated: 27 April 2026. Accessed June 2026.
Environmental Defenders Office. Dogs in the ACT — Your Responsibilities. Available at: edo.org.au. Published January 2019. Accessed June 2026.
Legal Services Commission of South Australia. Microchipping. Law Handbook — Neighbours: Animals. Available at: lawhandbook.sa.gov.au. Last revised: 18 November 2025. Accessed June 2026.
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Western Australia. Microchipping. Cats and Dogs — Community. Available at: dlgsc.wa.gov.au. Page reviewed: 29 July 2025. Accessed June 2026.
RSPCA Australia. Is microchipping mandatory for cats and dogs? RSPCA Knowledgebase — Companion Animal Legislation. Available at: kb.rspca.org.au. Updated: 24 January 2024. Accessed June 2026.

Articles recommended for you

The Benefits of Fresh Dog Food

Our vet authored guide to the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food plus tips and advice for introducing it into their regular menu.

Flea, Tick & Worm Control: A Vet's Guide for Pet Owners

See our guide to protecting your pet from parasites from our vet team.

Setting Up A Fish Tank

Thinking of getting a fish? Check out our guide for setting up a tank and home care tips!

Horse Feeding Guide

Looking to understand horse feeds better? This comprehensive guide covers feeding recommendations for horses of all ages and disciplines.

How to Calm an Anxious Pet

Does your pet suffer from anxiety? Check out our Vet-guide for treatment options to help your pet.

History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Thu Jun 11 2026

Written by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)

About the Author

Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)

Veterinarian

Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.