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Microchipping laws for the sale of cats and dogs
In Queensland all cats and dogs between 8 and 12 weeks of age must be implanted with a microchip. Responsibility for microchipping is with the person selling or giving away the animal.
The sale, implanting and tracking of microchips is regulated in Queensland. Only an authorised person may microchip a cat or dog.
This guide provides information about how to apply to become an authorised microchip implanter, the laws around implanting microchips and microchip registry services.
Laws for microchip implanters
You must have the correct qualifications and have completed a required course to become a microchip implanter.
Only a veterinarian is allowed to microchip a cat or dog younger than 8 weeks, and only if:
- it will not risk the animal's health
- they give the person presenting the cat or dog a signed veterinary surgeon's certificate to that effect.
Apply to become a microchip implanter
You will need several qualifications to become an authorised microchip implanter.
Pre-requisite qualifications
Veterinarians must hold a Bachelor of Veterinary Science that can be registered in Queensland or hold an equivalent degree in another state and have completed 1 of the following courses:
- AVAQ Microchip Implantation course
- BNIT Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
- AIRC Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
- AVA Victoria Microchip Implantation course
- UQ Veterinary Technology Microchip Implantation course
- UQ BVSc Microchip Implantation course
- UQ Staff Microchip Implantation course (veterinarians only).
If you do not hold a Bachelor of Veterinary Science that can be registered in Queensland, you must hold 1 of the following qualifications:
- Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Nursing
- Animal Nursing Auxiliary Certificate (TAFE Vic)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
- Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation
- Certificate III in Animal Studies (RUV30198)
- Certificate III in Animal Technology
- Certificate IV in Animal Welfare (Regulation)
- Certificate III in Captive Animals
- Certificate IV in Captive Animals
- Certificate III in Companion Animal Services
- Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services
- Certificate III in Kennel & Cattery Practices (CNQ 203)
- Certificate III in Local Government (Animal Management)
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
- Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (NZ –Veterinary Association)
- Enrolled Certificate in Veterinary Nursing
- Certificate IV Veterinary Nurses (University of Queensland staff only)
- Bachelor Applied Science (Veterinary Technology – University of Queensland staff)
- University of Del Tolima – Veterinary and Animal Science Medical Doctor
- ACMSS00007 – Microchip Implantation for Dogs and Cats Skill Set
- Certificate in Technology (Veterinary Nursing) (Level 5) NZ
And have completed 1 of the following courses:
- BNIT Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
- AIRC Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
- 21478VIC Course in Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
- 21955VIC Course in Microchip Implantation of Cats and Dogs
- 90573NSW Microchip Implantation of Companion Animals
- 0630A Microchip Implantation
- UQ Staff Microchip Implantation course (veterinary nurses only)
- ACMMIC401A Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs
- ACMMIC401 Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs
- UQ Veterinary Technology Microchip Implantation course
Apply for an authorised implanter number
If you have the necessary qualifications and have completed the required course, you can apply for an authorised implanter number online.
Reviewing a decision
If you are unhappy with a decision about your implanter or registry licence, you can ask that it be reviewed.
Submit your request to our Customer Service Centre by email, fax or post.
Also consider...
- Find out more about microchipping your cat or dog (information for pet owners).
- Read the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
- Find out more about microchipping dogs in Queensland.
Microchip registry services
The information from a cat or dog's microchip is kept by a registry service. Registry service providers must hold an approved licence.
Existing fees and charges did not increase on 1 July 2024 in line with the government's indexation policy.
Obtaining a registry licence
To apply for a registry licence, you need to:
- Complete the registry licence application (PDF, 94KB)
- Send the form with the application fee of $1,142.15 to:
- Licensing and Transaction Unit
Biosecurity Queensland
GPO Box 46
BRISBANE QLD 4001
The application will be assessed and applicants will be advised of the outcome. More information about registry licences can be found in parts 6 to 8 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Regulation 2009.
Renewing a registry licence
Registry licences are issued for a 12-month period. You must renew the licence at least 28 days before the current licence expires.
To renew a registry licence, you need to:
- Complete the renewal of registry licence (PDF, 92KB)
- Send the form with the annual fee of $1,142.15 to:
- Licensing and Transaction Unit
Biosecurity Queensland
GPO Box 46
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Current registry licence holders in Queensland
- Australasian Animal Registry
- Central Animal Records
- Global Micro Animal Registry
- HomeSafeID
- Petsafe
- PetCloud
Also consider...
- Check the microchip registry service a cat or dog is registered with Pet Address.
© The State of Queensland 1995–2024
- Last reviewed: 08 Sep 2021
- Last updated: 08 Sep 2021