Microchip Registry Shutdown Leaving Millions Of Pets In The Dark: What You Need To Know

Imagine your pet slipping through an open gate or getting startled by a loud noise and running off into the unknown. You take comfort in knowing they’re microchipped—someone will scan them and call you, right?

But what if that call never comes? With a major pet microchip database shutting down, many pets are now untraceable. If their details were stored there, they could be lost with no way home.

Here’s how to check your pets’ registration and keep them protected.

What’s Happening?

One of Australia’s largest microchip registries has gone offline permanently. Without an active registry, any pet once listed in this database is now essentially invisible.

Even if a lost pet is scanned at a clinic or shelter, there will be no way to track down their pet parent’s contact details. This puts pets at an even greater risk of remaining lost indefinitely.

While microchips are designed to be a reliable safety net, they only work if the information behind them is accessible. This registry shutdown is a stark reminder of why keeping your pet’s details up to date is crucial.

How to Check If Your Pet Is Affected

If you’re unsure whether your pet’s microchip is still correctly registered, follow these steps to confirm and update their details:

✅ Step 1: Check the Online Registry

Head to car.animalrecords.com.au to create an account or enter your pet’s microchip number. This will show whether your pet’s details are still linked to an active, accessible database.

✅ Step 2: Verify Your Contact Details

Even if your pet’s record is still accessible, make sure your phone number, email, and home address are correct. Many pets go unclaimed simply because their listed details are outdated.

✅ Step 3: Get Their Microchip Scanned at VetLand Hospital & Emergency

If you’re unsure about your pet’s microchip number or registration status, bring them in for a quick, painless scan. Our team can confirm their details and help guide you through updating their records.

Why Microchip Registration Matters More Than Ever

Microchips are one of the most effective ways to reunite lost pets with their families. But a microchip alone isn’t enough—it must be linked to an active, up-to-date registry.

🔹 A lost pet with an unregistered microchip is nearly impossible to trace.

🔹 Certain regions require microchip records to be current—non-compliance can lead to penalties or disputes over pet parent rights.

A microchip without accurate contact information is like a locked door without a key. That’s why checking and updating your pet’s registration is crucial.

Take Action Now to Keep Your Pet Safe

Don’t wait until your pet is missing to realise their microchip details are outdated. Now is the time to take action.

✔ Check your pet’s microchip details at car.animalrecords.com.au

✔ Not sure of their microchip number? Visit VetLand Hospital & Emergency for a quick scan.

✔ Update your contact details to ensure you can be reached in an emergency.

At VetLand Hospital & Emergency, we’re here to help keep your pet safe. If you need assistance checking or updating their microchip, reach out to our team today.

Your pet’s safety is in your hands—let’s make sure they’re always just one step closer to home.