Swan Hill Rural City Council is once again offering Robinvale and Manangatang residents the opportunity to have their pets microchipped and registered for free.
The initiative provides pet owners with an opportunity to save money while meeting their legal obligations. Microchipping provides pets with a permanent form of identification, helping lost or injured animals to be quickly reunited with their owners.
The free microchipping session will be held at the Robinvale Pound on Monday, 30 November 2026, with complimentary pet registration included until 10 April 2027.
Council’s Regulatory Services Coordinator, Trish Ficarra, said microchipping was a simple but important step in responsible pet ownership.
“A microchip is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reunite owners with their beloved four-legged family members,” Ms Ficarra said.
“When a lost or stray pet is collected by Council Rangers or handed in, its microchip can be scanned and checked against registration records to help identify and contact the owner.
“This free initiative is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership, and we encourage residents to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Bookings are essential and places are limited, so we encourage pet owners to secure their appointment early to avoid missing out,” Ms Ficarra said.
Important information for pet owners
All cats and dogs born after 1 July 2020 must have a valid source number before they can be microchipped.
Pet owners can obtain this number from their pet's breeder or register for one through the Victorian Pet Exchange Register https://per.animalwelfare.vic.gov.au/.
A source number must be provided when booking for any pet born after 1 July 2020. Puppies and kittens must also be at least eight weeks old to be microchipped.
Bookings are essential and can be made online via Council’s website:
https://forms.swanhill.vic.gov.au/pet-microchip-booking/
For more information, contact Council’s Regulatory Services team on 5036 2346.