Is council registration the same as microchip registration? Do I need both?

Is council registration the same as microchip registration? Do I need both?

No. Council registration and microchip registration on a national database are two separate records. Renewing or updating one does not change the other, so if your details change, update both.

What each one is

Council registration is your pet's record with your local council. Your council sets its own renewal dates and fees.

Microchip registration links your pet's microchip number to your name and contact details on a national database, so a vet, council or finder can reach you if your pet is lost. Central Animal Records (CAR) is one of four national databases, and the largest.

Do I need both?

Check with your local council whether council registration and microchip registration are compulsory where you live. Either way, registering your pet on a national database that operates 24/7 is a very good idea.

Whatever the rules, the two records do different jobs. Keeping both current gives you the best chance of being contacted quickly if your pet goes missing.

In NSW and South Australia, the state register (the NSW Pet Registry, or Dogs and Cats Online in SA) is compulsory. CAR does not replace either one.

Renewing one doesn't update the other

If you renew with your council, your microchip record stays exactly as it was. If you update your microchip record, your council record doesn't change either.

How to keep both up to date

  1. Check when your council renewal is due. Contact your council or see its website.
  2. Renew or update your council registration with your council.
  3. Check that your pet's microchip is registered on a national database using the free checker below.
  4. Update your microchip details with CAR if you've moved or changed your phone number or email.

Fees

  • Council registration: fees are set by each council and differ from place to place. Some councils offer free or cheaper registration.
  • Microchip listing with CAR: online listing is from $13.99.
  • Updating your details with CAR: free.

Free or cheaper council registration doesn't change your microchip record. You still need to keep those details up to date.

How long it takes

  • Online: updates and listings are instant.
  • Forms by post, email or fax: these take a couple of days for our admin staff to process.

What happens next

When your pet is listed, you get a certificate. That's how you know it's done.

Check your pet's microchip

Our microchip checker is free and gives instant results. Enter the microchip number and it shows whether the chip is registered on a national database, and which one.

If you've moved, see Moved house? How to update your pet's microchip details. To learn more about the difference between a chip and a registration, read Is microchipping the same as registering my pet?

Good to know

  • Council registration and microchip registration are separate records.
  • Council renewal dates and fees differ, so check with your council.
  • A moved house, new phone number or new email means updating both records.
  • The checker is free and shows which database your pet's chip is on.
  • Online updates are instant. Paper forms take a couple of days.

Questions? Call us on 03 9706 3187 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Melbourne time) or email info@car.com.au.