Currently (as of 1st July 2019), any person or business selling or giving away a dog, cat, puppy or kitten in the state of Victoria is required to enrol on the Pet Exchange Register and obtain a Source Number.
This source number serves to identify the first owner (individual, breeder, business or organisation) and assists in promoting responsible pet breeding and improved traceability for dogs & cats in Victoria.
It is an offence to advertise a dog or cat (for sale or to give away) unless the advertisement includes the animal’s microchip number and a source number generated by the Pet Exchange Register.
Effective on the 1st of July 2020
A source number must now be included on any microchip registration for a dog or cat born and microchipped after 1 July 2020.
This means that if you are the first registered owner of a dog or cat in Victoria born on or after the 1st of July 2020, you will require a Source Number. The Authorised Microchip Implanter must collect and include a source number on all dog or cat microchip records in order to ensure compliance with regulation requirements. A failure to do so may incur penalties.
Note that if your pet was born and implanted in another State (other than Vic) you will not require a source number.
For frequently asked questions or to find out more about Source Numbers or the Pet Exchange Register, Click Here.
To apply for a source number now, visit https://per.animalwelfare.vic.gov.au/.
