Get your furry friend microchipped for $20

Cat and dog owners can have their furry friend microchipped for just $20 at three dedicated microchipping days across the city in May and June.

Microchips, about the size of a grain of rice, are implanted by qualified veterinary professionals, normally between the pet’s shoulder blades. They can then be scanned by Council officers and vets, to reveal the pet’s details and contact information for the owner.

Mayor Bob Manning encouraged pet owners to take up the offer.

“While owners should all take steps to stop their pet escaping, we know it still happens. Each year we care for more than 600 cats and 1200 dogs at our pound,” Cr Manning said.

“But we know many more lost pets are looked after by caring members of the community who take them to local vets or use social media to track down the owner.

“Microchipping is quick and painless. And at just $20, is a very effective way to keep your pet safe.”

As well as a microchip, pet owners should have their registration tag and a name tag with contact phone number on their pet’s collar, so anyone who finds their missing pet can get in touch.

Dog and cat registration is compulsory in Cairns, but Council staff won’t be checking on the day.

Pet owners with a previously unregistered dog, who register them on the day, will receive the microchip at no cost.

Microchipping days will be held between 9.30am and 1.30pm at the following locations:

For safety reasons, cat owners must attend the Cannon Park event, where there’s suitable facilities to prevent them getting loose.

Pet owners are encouraged to pre-register for the microchipping day of their choice at cairns.qld.gov.au/pets. Completing paperwork in advance will streamline the microchip registration process, saving you time on the day.

It will also allow Council to arrange a suitable number of implanters to keep queues at a minimum.

Anyone attending a microchipping day is responsible for their pet’s behaviour so have your dog on a lead and cat in a carrier, and don’t forget to ‘scoop the poop’.

Find out more and pre-register