All cats and dogs need to be microchipped before you can register your pet with Council.
Please note: Microchipping your pet does not mean they are registered. These are separate things that you must do.
Microchipping is a quick and painless procedure where a small computer chip is placed under your pet's skin. The microchip gives information about your pet and its owner. It can be scanned by an animal ranger, vet, or animal shelter if your pet is found missing and the information inside is used to reunite you with your pet.
Microchip details are also needed in cat/dog sale advertisements.
Visit the Agriculture Victoria website to learn more about microchipping.
Benefits
What are some of the benefits of microchipping?
- It's a permanent form of identification for your pet.
- Microchips can not be removed or fall off like a traditional collar and tag.
- An inexpensive, one-time procedure can help protect your pet for life.
- It can help reunite you with your pet from anywhere in Australia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tip: Make sure all tags and collars are labelled with contact details in case your pet is found by a neighbour.
Microchip Providers
Microchip providers are available throughout Victoria and Australia. We recommend that you visit your local vet or search online for providers in your area.
Updating your Microchip Information
If your pet needs a new microchip, you’ll also need to update their information.
To make changes to your pet’s microchip details, you’ll need to:
- visit the nationwide Pet Address website
- contact Council to notify us.
All cats and dogs are required to be desexed under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic). You will need to provide either a copy of your desexing certificate, or a valid desexing exemption when you register your animal with Council.
Your animal is exempt from desexing only if you have written proof that:
- a vet has given written advice against desexing for health reasons
- the dog is dangerous and is kept for guarding non-residential premises
- the dog is dangerous and has undergone protection training
- the animal is used for breeding purpose in a registered breeding establishment (Frankston City does not currently have any registered breeding establishments)
- you are a current member of an applicable organisation and your pet is listed on their register. The proof of the animal being on the applicable organisation’s register might take the form of pedigree papers or another form of proof issued by the organisation.
Applicable organisations
- Australian National Cats Inc.
- Dogs Victoria
- Feline Control Council (Victoria) Inc.
- The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria Inc.
- Master Dog Breeders & Associates
- Responsible Pet Breeders Australia
Please Note: The 3 approved dog organisations that exempt dogs from desexing are Dogs Victoria, Responsible Pet Breeders Australia, Master Dog Breeders and Associates.