Don’t be remiss - microchip!

5 March 2025

Pet microchipping is a very important tool for reuniting lost pets with their owners. Unlike collars and tags, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification that can’t be lost or removed.

In NSW, microchipping of cats and dogs is a legal requirement and must be done before they are sold or given away, or by 12 weeks of age.

But sometimes, pets can slip through the fence, literally!

That’s why Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter is offering a free microchipping service for cats and dogs on Saturday 22 March between 10am and 2pm. This offer is open to Hawkesbury residents only, and proof of address is required. For people living outside of the Hawkesbury area, a fee of $10 applies.

Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted under the animal’s skin between the shoulders. If your pet goes missing, approved users, such as vets, can get in contact with you by scanning the unique microchip number implanted in your pet and checking the NSW Pet Registry. Keeping your contact details up-to-date is equally important, so we are also welcoming residents to bring their pet along to check microchip details for free on the day.

All animals must be controlled by an adult, cats must arrive in a secure carrier and dogs must be on kept on lead.

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter in Mulgrave provides lost, found and adoption services for dogs and cats from the Hawkesbury, Penrith, The Hills, Hornsby and Cumberland Council areas.

Contact us on: (02) 4560 4644, or companion.animal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au or visit our website: hawkesburycas.com.au.