Since In the Cove started in October 2012, we have reunited many lost pets to their grateful owners. We have reunited dogs, cats, rabbits and birds with their loved ones. The Lane Cove community is very caring. When a pet is lost, Lane Cove residents do not hesitate to become involved and take the lost pet to the nearest vet. In the Cove cannot stress enough how important it is to microchip your pet. If your pet strays from home, then you are far more likely to be reunited if your pet is microchipped.
Exactly what are microchips? They are small electronic devices that are injected under the pet’s skin with a hypodermic needle. To identify the microchip, your vet (or a council ranger) passes a scanner over the pet’s skin. The microchip emits radio frequencies which transmit to the scanner a unique identification number. This number is then checked against a database. A database is only as good as the information recorded in the database.
More details on microchipping can be found here. You can also check your pet’s microchip details by clicking here.
Top 5 Reasons why Microchips are not Foolproof
We have started to see a worrying trend, a pet is microchipped, however the owner cannot be located because the information on the microchip is not up to date. Here are the top five reasons we have seen in Lane Cove:
The Owner has changed their mobile/phone number
If you change your phone number (mobile or land line) it’s important to update your details with the Lane Cove Council.
The Owner has moved houses
If you move houses you must update your details with Council. Don’t wait until a couple of days after the move. When you move, a pet can become distressed and may try and find their way back to your previous residence.
The Owner is Away and they have only provided a Landline number
If you’re away, you are more likely to be contacted if you have your mobile phone number on the Council’s records.
Ownership of the Pet has been Transferred
Sometimes pet ownership does not work out and you may give your pet to a friend or another family. Make sure the new owner updates their details with the relevant council. It is not uncommon for the pet’s details to still be in the name of the original breeder. Any time pet ownership is transferred, the records must be updated.
The Microchip cannot be located on the Animal
There are a few reasons why a microchip may not be able to be found. The older the animal is, it becomes harder to find the microchip. Microchips can also be missed due to excess body fat, matted hair or a thick coat and a collar that contains a substantial amount of metal (and the microchip is located near the collar). Next time you’re at the vet, ask your vet to check that your pet’s microchip can be read and the details are up to date. To ensure your pet can be relocated if the microchip fails have your phone number embroidered on the collar or have a pet tag with your details.
How Do You Update Your Details?
You can download a change of details form here
How Do I Report a Lost Pet?
If you find a pet, take it to the nearest vet. If they have trouble finding the owner you can list the pet on our Lost and Found page on our website. We ask you to put the lost pet notice on inthecove.com.au so Lane Cove residents, who are not on Facebook, can be alerted to a lost pet. We will list it on Facebook for you.
Do you have a question about Lane Cove you are dying to have answered? Please send us an email at [email protected]
Have you liked our Facebook page or Instagram Page – what are you waiting for?!
Our Cover Photo is a selection of Lane Cove Dogs (they are not lost just very very cute).
