Source Numbers (Victoria)
From July 2020, there will be changes regarding the microchipping of pets in Victoria that you will need to be aware of and comply with.
Please ensure that you also use the most current forms which are available from our Forms Page.
What are the changes to the Prescribed Identifying Information for dogs and cats?
From 1 July 2020, a dog or cat breeder’s Pet Exchange Register source number, or the source number of the council pound, animal shelter, pet shop or foster carer that owns the animal, will be required when implanting a new microchip into a dog or cat born after that date.
The source number will form part of a cat or dogs’ prescribed identifying information. An authorised implanter must collect and include a source number as part of the microchip registration form for all dogs and cats born and microchipped after 1 July 2020. A failure to do so may incur penalties under the Domestic Animals Regulations 2015.
Owner details on a microchip record may change over time, but the recorded source number will remain the same for the life of the animal.
What is a source number?
A source number:
- Identifies an individual, breeder, business or organisation.
- Is generated once an individual enrols on the PER.
- Is automatically allocated to domestic animal businesses (DAB) and foster carers following registration with council.
What if I’m presented with an animal that does not have a source number from the Pet Exchange Register?
A source number must be included on any microchip registration form for a dog or cat born and microchipped after 1 July 2020.
If an animal is presented and the person presenting the animal does not have a source number, we recommend advising your clients to apply for one online via the Pet Exchange Register during the consultation. A source number is generated after a simple registration process.
An authorised implanter must collect and include a source number on all dog or cat microchip records in order to ensure compliance with regulation requirements. A failure to do so may incur penalties.
What if I don’t include a valid source number in the microchip information?
An authorised implanter must collect and include a source number as part of the microchip registration form for all dogs and cats born and microchipped after 1 July 2020. A failure to do so may incur penalties under the Domestic Animals Regulations 2015.
The validity of a source number can be checked on the Pet Exchange Register at https://per.animalwelfare.vic.gov.au/search/. This will display the source number and council for each source number type. If the source number belongs to either a recreational breeder or DAB, additional information on membership number and/or DAB registration number will also be displayed.
Invalid source numbers can be reported to Animal Welfare Victoria.
What if the animal is born outside of Victoria and doesn’t have a source number?
If a dog or cat is born outside of Victoria and is being microchipped in Victoria, a source number must be included in its microchip information.
If an animal is presented and the person presenting the animal does not have a source number, we recommend advising your clients to apply for one online via the Pet Exchange Register during the consultation. A source number is generated after a simple registration process.
Are there any changes to who can implant microchips into cats and dogs?
No. The approved qualifications and courses are outlined in questions below.
How do I include a source number as part of an animal’s prescribed identifying information?
Microchip registries are required to update their microchip registration forms and electronic data collection to ensure all prescribed identifying information, including source number, can be collected from 1 July 2020.
Whose source number is needed to microchip an impounded dog or cat?
Before the dog or cat is returned to its owner it must be microchipped.
If breeder details are unknown, Community Foster Care Networks, shelters and pounds will need to use their own source number when microchipping an animal in their care.
The resident can add their details to the microchip once the animal is reclaimed, however the council pound’s source number will remain on the microchip details.
FAQs Sourced From Agriculture Victoria - Click Here