Council
12 March, 2025
Shire urges pet owners to know the difference
CORANGAMITE Shire Council is reminding dog and cat owners there is quite a big difference between registration and microchipping.
Corangamite Shire Council ranger Daniel Boyle said microchipping wasn’t the only thing pet owners needed to ensure they can be reunited if their furry friend strays too far from home.
“There are three steps to keeping dogs and cats safe,” he said.
“It’s important to make sure your dog or cat is microchipped, the chip is kept up to date (ask your vet how), and the animal is registered with council.”
The microchip identifies dogs or cats as belonging to their owner, and gives council important information about the animal’s breed, size and home address.
“If the owner has done the right thing, when we find a stray we can scan it, type its chip number in to an app on our phone, and call up the owner’s details,” Mr Boyle said.
“It’s literally a five-minute job.
“If we pick up a dog or cat, we can take it home straight away – no pound or release fees.”
Mr Boyle said if registration and microchipping isn’t up to date, the process of getting a lost pet home can become significantly complicated.
“If it’s not registered and its microchip hasn’t been updated, the last known address might be the original breeder’s,” he said.
“When we can’t identify an animal, we need to hold it for eight days under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
“We hold it at the pound until the owner is found and if not found then we rehome it through other organisations after the eight-day holding period.
“You can change the chip details online, or your vet can help.
“If you move home, be sure to update your pet’s registration details with the council you live in – otherwise, we might not be able to get them home to you.”
Mr Boyle said annual pet registrations are due on April 10 every year.
“There are 50 per cent discounts for desexed animals and then a further 50 per cent off for concession card holders,” he said.
“Just provide a vet’s certificate showing the animal has been desexed when you submit your registration form online, at the Civic Centre or by post to Corangamite Shire, PO Box 84, Camperdown 3260.”
The Domestic Animals Act requires dog and cat owners to microchip and register their animals who are three months of age or older with their local council.
Renewal payments can be made at corangamite.vic.gov.au/PetRego, by BPAY, and in person at the Civic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown.
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