A free microchipping initiative to give pet owners the edge on being more responsible for their dogs will be unleashed in March.
The Chip N Check program, a partnership between Isaac Regional Council and seven veterinary clinics, is open to all dogs from 12 weeks of age.
The microchipping incentive helps pet owners save money on something that is compulsory by law.
Cr Simon West, who chairs the Domestic Dog Advisory Committee, said microchipping is one of many ways people can fulfill their legal requirements and become a responsible dog owner.
“How many times do we see lost and wandering dogs? It’s too many. It’s our job as a community to encourage responsible dog ownership and microchipping is amongst it,” Cr West said.
“A microchip stores your pet’s unique identification number, which is linked to a microchip database registry which includes important information about your pet’s breed and your contact details.”
The initiative is supported by Clermont Veterinary Surgery, Moranbah Veterinary Clinic, Sarina Veterinary Surgery, Torenbeek Vet Clinic and Valley Vet branches in Marian, Mackay and Walkerston.
The free Chip N Check incentive is one of many ways Council is encouraging responsible pet ownership across the Isaac region. Council is also conducting two inspection programs – selective and systematic - to encourage responsible dog ownership.
The selective inspection program is for all Isaac region residents that had a dog registered to 31 August 2022 but did not renew.
The other program – systematic – will focus on all residential properties in Moranbah, where over 60 per cent of the region’s reports of wandering dogs come from.
Cr West said the programs are about improving the lives of pets, getting lost dogs’ home safely and reducing the number of wandering dogs in the streets.
“To clear up any confusion about the programs, Council officers will only come on to your property to knock on your front door,” Cr West said.
“The team conducting the inspections will not enter backyards or other parts of your property without your presence.”
Visit https://speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au for more information on the Chip N Check incentives and Council’s two inspections programs.
