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Microchipping is the best way to reunite lost animals with their owners

Girl with puppy, registration, microchipping

Dog and cat owners who have received animal registration renewal notices are being reminded of the rules around the registration process.

It is a Queensland Government requirement that dogs and cats, aged 12 weeks and over, must be registered and microchipped and the microchip details provided and updated with your Local Council.

Gladstone Regional Council will no longer accept registration unless the animal is microchipped (if born after April 2009) unless written evidence is provided from a veterinarian stating that microchipping would place the animal’s health at risk or is a Council-approved working dog.

Gladstone Region Councillor Chris Trevor said dog and cat registration, with microchipping, is the best way to rescue and reunite lost animals with their owners.

“Registering of cats and dogs ensures their contact details are kept up to date, therefore improving their chances of being safely returned to their owner if they are lost,” Councillor Trevor said.

“Microchipping involves the insertion of a small electronic identification device into the animal's skin and with a microchip scanning device, the microchip can be read and the information about your pet accessed through a database anywhere across Queensland.

“This means that if your microchipped cat or dog gets lost outside of your local government area, or if it loses its collar and tag, it can still be identified and returned to you.

“Council also reminds residents to ensure their contact details, and the details of their pets, remain up to date in the lead-up to animal registration renewal period.”

Cr Trevor said the early payment discount date for animal registration is Monday, 9 November.

“Coupled with this, Council’s animal registration fee structure includes incentives for responsible pet owners that have desexed or microchipped their pet,” he said.

“Desexed and microchipped animals can save up to $18 per annum for their annual registration.

“Pension Remission Application forms are also available for pet owners who hold a current Centrelink Queensland Pensioner Concession Card, a Veteran Affairs Gold Card or a Veteran Affairs Pensioner Concession Card, with proof required.

“Animal owners that completed the Pension Remission Application and returned it to Council last year will no longer need to present their pension card to Council each year to receive an animal registration pensioner remission.”

Cr Trevor reminded residents that tags will not be issued this year for renewal registration but can be reissued if lost or damaged, with the first replacement tag free of charge.

Council offers several payment options for animal registration renewal including online via Council’s Online Services portal, telephone, mail, in person at Council offices or at Australia Post.

For more information on pets and animals, animal registration and microchipping, please visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/pets-animals or phone Council on 4970 0700.

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