How To Update A Microchip

Is your pet microchipped but with outdated details? If your pet goes missing and the microchip isn't up to date, reaching you can be tough, even impossible. Here's everything you need to update it!

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin of an animal between their shoulder blades by a veterinarian or another authorised person. The microchip contains a 15-digit number that can be read with a microchip scanner. When the 15-digit number is looked up on the NSW Companion Animal Register/Pet Registry, it reveals details of the animal and personal information about its current (or previous) owner.

How can I find out if my pet is microchipped and what is their microchip number?

The best way to check if your pet is microchipped is to bring them to a vet clinic or shelter where the staff can scan them for free. The staff can tell you the microchip number, whether it's registered in your name and if the microchip has your current contact number and address. Remember to have your dog on a lead and cat in a carrier! The microchip number may also be on paperwork for your pet but it’s best to bring your pet to a vet or shelter to be scanned for a microchip as occasionally they fall out.

My pet isn’t microchipped, what should I do?

It's a legal requirement for dogs and cats to be microchipped. If your pet escapes without a microchip, it may be very difficult to reunite your pet with you if they're found. Microchipping is one of the most important steps you can take for your pet's safety, along with ensuring the microchip details are kept up to date. You can contact any vet clinic to schedule a microchipping appointment for your pet for a fee. Check with your local council to see if they offer free or discounted microchipping services.

What details should be on a microchip?

It is vital to include as many contact options as possible in case your pet goes missing. Aim to provide 2-3 contact numbers, an email address, an up-to-date physical address, and if possible, a secondary contact with multiple numbers on the microchip. Your legal name as per your driver’s licence should be on the microchip.

How can I update a microchip?

This depends on who is currently listed on the microchip. Click the situation below that is relevant to you.

  • The easiest way to update the microchip is to visit www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au and create an account (if you don’t already have one). Click “Link Pet”, enter the microchip number and your best contact number then click ‘Search’. The pet should appear. Click “Link Pet,” then click ‘Profile’ at the top and enter multiple up to date contact numbers. Ensure the email is correct as well as the address and add a secondary contact with at least 1 contact number.

    Alternatively, print or download this Change of Ownership form and submit it to your council via email, post or in person. Note: you will be both the ‘old’ and the ‘new owner’. The ‘old’ address should match the address currently listed on the microchip.

    Alternatively, contact your council for further information.

  • There are 2 options:

    1. The previous owner can visit www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au and create an account or log in if they already have one. They should click “Link Pet”, enter the microchip number and their contact number then click ‘Search’. The pet should appear, and they should click “Link Pet”, then “My Pets” then “Transfer”. Next, they should enter your details then click “Transfer”. Then you should visit www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au and accept the transfer. Your name on your profile must match the name entered by the previous owner.

    2. Alternatively, print or download this Change of Ownership form and submit it to council via email, in person or post. Note: the person listed on the microchip is the ‘old owner’ and you are the ‘new owner’. The ‘old owner’ name and address must match the current information on the microchip.

  • Submit a statutory declaration form to the council, signed by a Justice of the Peace (JP), detailing all relevant facts regarding your ownership of the pet. Include information about how and where you acquired the pet, the pet's microchip number, any details about the pet's origin, the duration of your ownership, explicitly state that you are the sole owner (if this is true), and any other relevant information. The council may then update the microchip with your name and contact details.

  • Bring the dog to your local council shelter to get scanned for a microchip and the staff can then put the microchip in your name and details. Alternatively, a local vet clinic may also provide this service (call ahead to confirm).

If you have further questions relating to updating a microchip, please contact your local council for assistance.

Lifetime Registration

Microchipping a pet with the details placed on the NSW Companion Animal Register (or another register) is NOT the same thing as “lifetime registration”. For more information about lifetime registration please visit the OLG website.