Microchip database company HomeSafeID removed from dog and cat regulations

Earlier this year, the company ceased responding to customers and subsequently closed its operations. At that time, consumer alerts were issued.

Pet owners who had their cat’s or dog’s microchip registered with HomeSafeID are urged to register with another prescribed microchip database company, as their registration will no longer be valid.

Pet owners can check which company their pet is currently registered with by searching the microchip number at https://petaddress.com.au/. Microchips registered with HomeSafeID will not return a search result.

Pet owners who do not know their pet’s microchip number can visit their regular vet clinic.

Keeping a pet’s microchip registration details up to date helps to identify and return the pet if it goes missing.

Continuing approved microchip database companies for pet owners are:

• https://www.aar.org.au/
• https://car.com.au/  
• https://www.globalmicro.com.au/  
• https://www.petsafe.com.au/  

Dogs and cats must also be microchipped before being transferred to new owners, and changes to a pet’s information or owner’s details must be provided to the microchip database company within seven days.

Microchipping and registration of dogs and cats with local governments is mandatory and penalties of up to $5,000 may apply for not complying.

Comments attributed to Lanie Chopping, Director General, Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS):

“If your dog or cat was registered with HomeSafeID, you are encouraged to re-register your pet’s details with another approved microchip database company. This will help ensure that you can be reunited with your pet if it becomes lost.

“Microchipping and registering your pet dog or cat are important elements of responsible pet ownership. For pet owners, it’s a legal requirement for their dogs and cats to be microchipped and registered with their local government.”