Is microchipping compulsory?

Microchipping can enable lost dogs and cats to be quickly reunited with their owners.

As of 1 July 2018, microchipping dogs and cats is in most instances compulsory [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 42A].

A dog or cat must be microchipped before they are sold [Dog and Cat Management Regulations 2017 (SA) reg 10(1)(a)]. It is an offence to sell a dog or a cat that has not been microchipped [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 70(1)].

A dog or cat must otherwise be microchipped:

whichever occurs later [Dog and Cat Management Regulations 2017 (SA) reg 10(1)(b)].

However, dogs and cats that are sold from one breeder to another are exempt from this requirement [reg 18(4)(a)], as are dogs and cats that are sold and not kept in South Australia [reg 18(4)(c)].

A dog or cat that is not required to be microchipped must still wear a collar containing both the registration disc last issued to the dog or cat, and the contact details of the owner [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 42C].

What is the penalty for failing to microchip a dog or cat?

The maximum penalty for failing to microchip a dog or cat is [s 42A(2)]:

What if a dog or cat remains without a microchip after a fine has been paid?

A further offence is committed for every 3 months a dog or cat remains without a microchip [s 42B]. The 3 month period commences from the day on which the person was found guilty of the original offence, or the day on which they paid the original fine.

What if microchipping would pose an undue risk to the health of a dog or cat or adversely affect their growth, development or wellbeing?

A registered veterinary surgeon may grant an exemption from the requirement to microchip a particular dog or cat for these reasons [reg 13(2)]. An exemption due to the health of the dog or cat may be for a limited or an indefinite period, but an exemption due to the growth, development or wellbeing may only be for a maximum of 18 months [reg 13(4)]. The exemption must be by notice in writing as required by the Dog and Cat Management Board [reg 13(5)]. The Board or the registered veterinary surgeon may vary or revoke an exemption if it is no longer necessary [reg 13(7)].

What if a dog or cat was microchipped interstate?

If a dog or cat has already been microchipped in another State or Territory in accordance with the law of that State or Territory, then, as long as it conforms to the Australian Standards and records a unique identification number, it will be taken to have been microchipped in accordance with the requirements in South Australia [regs 10(8) and 18(3)].

Must owners report to a register of dogs and cats?

Yes. From 1 July 2017, the Dog and Cat Management Board has maintained a register of dogs and cats that have been microchipped and desexed [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) s 21B]. The register is called Dogs and Cats Online.

Dogs and Cats Online replaced the previous 68 individual council dog and cat registers and from 1 July 2018 became the centre point for registration payments, microchipping and breeder information in South Australia.

Under the regulations and from 15 August 2018, a person who microchips a dog or cat is required, within 5 days of the microchipping procedure, to register that information on Dogs and Cats Online, or provide that information to the Registrar of Dogs for the council where the vet practices.

The owner of a microchipped dog or cat must, within 14 days, notify the Dog and Cat Management Board of any changes to their name, residential address or telephone number [Dog and Cat Management Regulations 2017 (SA) reg 10(6)].

Maximum Penalty: fine of up to $2 500

Expiation fee: $170

For more information about microchipping and desexing, visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website, contact your local council or visit Dogs and Cats Online.