General News
5 February, 2025
Council introduces affordable microchipping
Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) is launching a $45 microchipping service at its pound to help reunite lost pets with their owners quickly and affordably.
The initiative, led by HRCC's community safety unit, aims to reduce costs for pet owners while improving animal welfare across the region.
HRCC director of communities and place Kevin O'Brien said the service would ease the burden on local families.
"It enables a speedier process to get animals back to their owners and will also reduce the costs involved," Mr O'Brien said.
Previously, unidentified pets required costly microchipping at veterinary clinics, with delays of up to seven days.
During this time, daily impound fees of $33 added to the financial burden on owners.
Under the new system unidentified pets can be microchipped, registered and released on the same day, ensuring a quicker and more affordable process.
According to the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all cats and dogs over three months old must be microchipped before being registered with their local council.
The HRCC initiative seeks to lower the euthanasia rates and reduce the number of animals being surrendered at the pound.