By Goya Dmytryshchak
PETstock will run a microchip blitz at its Altona North store on October 20 and 21, charging a $10 flat fee to microchip cats, dogs and some small animals.
It will be the third year of the national microchipping event run by the busineess’s charity arm, PETstock Assist.
Victorian law requires cats and dogs to be microchipped as a condition of registration.
In Hobsons Bay, 91 per cent of cats and 35 per cent of dogs picked up by animal management officers in 2017-18 were unregistered, making the task of reuniting owners with lost pets almost impossible.
Event co-ordinator Jess Guilfoyle said that each year the number of pets being presented to the blitz nationwide had decreased.
“In 2016, more than 8210 animals were microchipped during the event and in 2017, we were pleased to see those numbers reduced to 6566 – demonstrating the decreasing number of Aussie animals in need of microchipping,” she said.
“Providing affordable and accessible microchipping to all pet owners allows more lost animals to be returned to their owners quickly and safely.”
National project manager Christine Robertson said microchipping could normally cost up to $80.
“Once microchipped, pets can be tracked down online or through the local vet,” she said.
“However, keeping your registration contact details updated is a must.”
Some small animals, including rabbits and guinea pigs, will be eligible for microchipping, but birds and reptiles are not suitable.
Bookings are essential for PETstock’s microchip blitz.
To register, visit petstock.com.au
