There has been considerable media attention recently on the high percentage of pets that end up unclaimed in animal pounds and ultimately destroyed.

Losing a pet is a devastating experience and proper identification ensures that owners of lost or injured pets can be notified quickly. The key to this is 'Permanent Identification' via microchipping with database registration, which differs from lifetime animal registration.

It is also important to ensure that all pets have a safe and effective collar and tag that carries at least the pet's name, some owner details and a phone number. The contact details must be up to date and accurate.

Whenever you move house, change your phone numbers or the pet changes ownership, it is necessary to update these details on the government's companion animal registry.

This is done through your local council and updating records is the responsibility of the current owner. Often pets details are also recorded on private databases such as the Australian Animal registry run by the Royal Agricultural Society or with private pet search organisation such as Dog-E-Data. Make sure that these organisations are updated as well. Do not run the risk with your pet, check today that all your details are correct and that your pet is permanently identified. Your vet or council will be happy to assist.

NSW Governments companion animal registry
Aaustralian Animal Registry (AAR) private database
Pet reference and search