I bought a puppy or kitten. How do I transfer the microchip into my name?

I bought a puppy or kitten. How do I transfer the microchip into my name?

You can transfer your new pet's microchip into your name online in about five minutes. Transfers start from $18.99 online, and it's finished once the previous owner approves it or after 23 days.

Before you start: ask your breeder first

If your pet came from a breeder and the microchip was implanted in the last 2 months, ask the breeder to start the transfer from their own CAR account. Breeder transfers made within 2 months of implant are free for chips starting with 956 and $4.50 for other chips. If you start the transfer yourself, the standard fee applies.

If your pet came from a shelter or animal welfare group, transfers from them are free.

How to transfer the microchip

  1. Log in, or create a free account. Use your full legal name, not a nickname.
  2. Choose Add New Pet and enter your pet's 15-digit microchip number.
  3. Because the pet isn't in your name yet, you'll be taken through a change of ownership. Check your details and choose your privacy preference.
  4. Click Agree & Submit and pay the transfer fee.
  5. The previous owner receives a request to approve the transfer.

What happens next

  • The transfer completes as soon as the previous owner approves it, or automatically after 23 days if they don't respond. This applies everywhere in Australia.
  • Speed it up: once you've started the transfer, let the previous owner know they should have received a notification from us, and ask them to approve it.
  • Your privacy: when we contact the previous owner, we only tell them we've received a request to change ownership. We never tell them who asked or give out your details.
  • You can track it under My Animals > Pending Transfers.
  • Once the transfer is complete, you can update your pet's name and other details. Adding a pet photo is part of the CARMA Rewards Club.

Good to know

  • A cancelled transfer isn't refunded, so double-check the microchip number before you pay.
  • If the pet is listed as missing or stolen, it can't be transferred online. Contact us at info@car.com.au or call 03 9706 3187 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm).
  • CARMA Rewards Club members get up to 10% off transfer packages.
  • Prefer paper? Download the change of ownership form from our Forms page.
  • Not sure which database your pet is on? Check it with our free microchip checker, or see How to check if your pet's microchip is registered.
  • Is the microchip still in the breeder's or previous owner's name? See what to do when the microchip is in someone else's name.