FAQ's and Help
If you have any questions, problems or feedback relating to our site or service we would love to hear from you. You can contact us by calling the National Pet Register support line on 1300 734 738 or by emailing us at the addresses below.
- Change of Details Enquiry: change-details@petregister.com.au
- General Help or Questions: help@petregister.com.au
- Report a Problem or Bug: problem@petregister.com.au
We cannot record microchip numbers unless they were either implanted or scanned by a National Pet Register agent. This is a legislative requirement.
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the National Pet Register service, our website and general pet identification.
I don't have a username and password, what should I do?
Please call us on 1300 734 738 and we will be able to assist you over the phone.
Why are your tags free?
The National Pet Register is an initiative of The Lost Dogs’ Home and Cat Shelter. Providing free pet ID tags directly helps us achieve our mission which is to reduce the number of animals that end up at pounds and shelters.
Is there a limit to how many free tags I can get?
None whatsoever! You can have as many pets and request as many replacements as you need.
Who runs the National Pet Register?
The National Pet Register is a service offered by The Lost Dogs’ Home and Cat Shelter.
Are replacement tags free?
Yes, absolutely.
How does the system work?
Click here to learn about how our services work.
Is it really 24/7 and 365 days a year?
Yes, positively.
If my pet becomes lost will the recovery cost me anything?
No. The National Pet Register does not charge anything for the release of details for our free pet ID tag service or our microchip registration service. Please note that most councils will, however, charge you a release fee if your pet becomes impounded. This is why we strongly recommend all pets wear our free ID tags.
What is your privacy policy?
You can read our privacy policy here.
How come I cannot change my name on your website?
This is because we take the change of ownership of a pet very seriously. You can still do this, however there are several extra steps that must be taken.
How do I change the ownership of a pet on your system?
You can only change ownership of your pet by calling 03 9329 2755 and talking to our staff.
How do I edit my details?
Once you’ve logged in, you can edit your details online. You can also call us if you need assistance or do not have an Internet connection.
My pet is already microchipped, do I still need a tag?
Yes. All pets microchipped by an authorised National Pet Register implanter will receive an ID tags in the mail. If you don’t, please contact us and we will investigate why.
Our ID tags have the phone number of our call centre that is manned 24 hour a day, 7 days a week. There have been occasions when a pet with a microchip has been “adopted” by a finder who wasn’t aware of the microchip. A microchip will only help once your pet is somewhere that has a microchip scanner.
My pet already has a tag, do I still need a microchip?
Yes, definitely!
Tags are often lost and can easily be removed. Pounds and shelters are full of pets that “didn’t need to be microchipped” so it's something we highy recommend. We provide a list of local microchip implanters on our website.
Does implanting a microchip hurt my pet?
No, most animals will only feel a slight discomfort.
What is a microchip made of?
A special inert, biocompatible material, however it looks just like glass.
How big is a microchip?
The size of a grain of rice.
My pet never runs away, should it still be microchipped?
As stated above, shelters and pounds are full of pets that “never run away”, or “don’t need ID”. Responsible pet ownership involves making sure your pet has multiple forms of identification.
Are there other microchip providers in Australia?
Yes, there are quite a few. However, the National Pet Register is run by an animal welfare organisation, The Lost Dogs’ Home. The Lost Dogs’ Home is the only Quality Assured (ISO accredited) animal welfare organisation in Australia.
Is the National Pet Register related to council registrations?
No, council registrations are typically not used for identification purposes. Our tags look like some council tags, but only our tags carry the number of the National Pet Register 24 hour recovery hotline.
If my pet is registered on the National Pet Register do I need to register with the council?
Yes. As stated above, the National Pet Register is very separate from local council registrations
Where can I get my pet microchipped?
We have a list of authorised National Pet Register implanters here.
How can I get a free tag?
You can do it online here.
How much does a microchip cost?
It varies, but it’s usually around $25 - $35.
How can I reduce the risk of my pet becoming lost?
There are a number of things you can do to help reduce the risk of your pet becoming lost. The first thing is to make sure your pet has multiple forms of ID, that is, a tag and a microchip.
What should I do if I lose my pet?
Click here to read suggestions on what to do if you've lost your pet.
My pet was returned thanks to your service, how can I support the National Pet Register?
You can support the National Pet Register by donating to The Lost Dogs' Home here. We also appreciate links to our site, and any promotional opportunities to help spread the word about or service. Any support, no matter how big or small is greatly appreciated.
Can I donate to help support the National Pet Register?
Yes, click here to donate to the Lost Dogs' Home.
