I don't know my pet's microchip number. How do I find it?

You need your pet's microchip number to check whether it is registered. Look through your paperwork first. If you can't find it, a vet or another place with a microchip scanner can read it for you. Once you have the number, the free Central Animal Records (CAR) checker shows instantly whether it is registered on a national database, and which one.

How to find the number

Check your paperwork. The number may already be written down somewhere. Look on your pet's desexing certificate, vaccination certificate, or the transfer form from the breeder. If your pet is already registered with CAR, the certificate we sent you shows the microchip number.
Ask for the chip to be scanned. If you can't find it, a scanner can read the number from the chip. Vets set their own fees, so ask them about the cost when you book.
Check the number with CAR. Enter it into the free microchip checker. It's instant and shows whether the number is registered on a national database, and which database it's on.

What happens next

It's registered in your name. You're all set. If your address or phone number has changed, you can update your details on CAR for free.

It's registered in someone else's name. This often happens after buying or adopting a pet. See My pet's microchip is still in the breeder's or previous owner's name.

It's on a different database. Check the database name the checker shows you. Then read My pet's microchip is on a different database before you do anything else.

It isn't registered. You can register your pet's microchip with CAR so it is registered on a national database. Sign up here to get started.

Fees

The CAR microchip checker is free.
Registering your pet's microchip online is from $13.99.
If you prefer paper forms, they start from $21.99. You can find them on the forms page.

How long it takes

The checker gives results instantly.
Online registration is instant, and you get a certificate when your pet is registered. That's how you know it's done.
Forms sent by post, email or fax take a couple of days for our admin staff to process.

Good to know

There are four national microchip databases in Australia. The checker tells you which one your pet's number is on. CAR is the largest of the four.
Council registration and microchip registration are separate records. Renewing or updating one does not change the other. Check with your local council about what applies where you live.
Having your pet registered on a national database that operates 24/7 is a very good idea.
Keep the number somewhere safe once you find it, such as your phone or your pet's paperwork.

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