The Ipswich City Council is inviting dog and cat owners to attend the Microchipping and Registration Event on Friday, 15 March 2019, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the David W Coultas Park in South Station Rd, Raceview.
Photo credit: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au
First-year introductory dog registration fee is $20 per dog. This only applies to dogs that have not been previously registered with ICC and is not currently registered with any other Australian local government. It also applies to dogs registered within 14 days of coming into the ICC area and pups who are within 14 days of reaching 3 months of age.
It is highly suggested that dog owners bring along a completed Dog Registration Application Form to save time.
Dogs being registered with the Council for the first time on that day are qualified to get free microchipping. But if the dog is already registered with the Council, then microchipping can be availed at a discounted price of $20 on the day.
Cats can also get microchipped on the day for only $20.
Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale (EFTPOS) will be available.
Advantages of Pet Registration
The accurate identification of pets is necessary for our pets’ welfare. Details from the tag or microchip can be used to reunite a lost or injured pet with its owners.
If a cat or dog is taken to the Ipswich City Council Pound & Animal Management Centre, the pet will be released for free if it is wearing its tag. But this is done once only, and if the animal has had no prior history of being impounded.
Photo credit: Nat Geo WILD YouTube Channel
Microchipping
A microchip is a form of electronic identification for pets. It is a permanent method of ID because microchips cannot be removed easily nor can it fall off like the traditional collar or tag.
The chip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is easily implanted via injection just under the skin between the shoulder blades of the pet. Each chip contains a unique number that can be read by a special microchip reader. The microchip number is recorded on a microchip database registry with details about the animal and owner. Should a pet wander or become lost, animal shelters can scan the pet for a microchip and contact its owners via the database.
In the absence of a chip or tag, pets in pounds or shelters are sadly euthanized if they cannot be re-homed.
Whether or not pets should be registered and microchipped is no longer a question for Ipswich residents as the state government requires all dogs who are three months and older to be registered. Also, the state government demands microchipping for all cats and dogs over eight weeks old. A dog must be implanted with a chip before it is 12 weeks of age. A hefty penalty is imposed for non-compliance.
The good news though is that the Council offers a rewards program for dog owners who register their dogs. The Registration Rewards Program provides great discounts and offers across a variety of providers including pet businesses, vets, leisure providers, and cafes.
So let’s bring our furry family members to Council’s microchipping and registration event this Friday, 15 March 2019, for our pet’s protection and for our own peace of mind as responsible pet parents.