Desexing and Microchipping
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From 1 March 2022 the
Cat Management Act 2009 requires all cats over the age of four months to be microchipped and desexed.
Desexing
A desexed cat typically lives longer and is less territorial. It will wander, fight, and spray-mark its territory less, and in general makes a better pet. Desexing also prevents unwanted litters of kittens that contribute to the stray and feral cat population and to the ongoing demise of native wildlife.
From 1 March 2022, the owner of a cat that is more than four months of age must ensure that the cat is desexed by a veterinary surgeon. This requirement does not apply to:
How do I know if a cat is desexed?
A cat that is desexed is to be identified by a prescribed permanent mark inside the left ear.
Microchipping of cats
In Tasmania, all cats over four months of age must be implanted with a microchip1 by a microchip implanter.
Microchips are a method of electronic identification; about the size of a grain of rice; and are implanted under a cat's skin.
Each microchip contains a unique identification number which can be detected by a microchip scanner. The microchip number is recorded in a microchip database with the owner’s contact details.
If a cat is separated from its owner, the cat can be scanned for a microchip allowing its owner to be contacted. It is important that owners keep their details up to date in the database to ensure they can be contacted if they become separated from their cat.
1The requirement for microchipping does not apply to a cat which has been assessed by a veterinary surgeon and a certificate/letter has been issued for that cat stating that the implantation of a microchip in the cat may adversely affect the health and welfare of the cat.
Who can implant a microchip in a cat?
Who is a prescribed person?
- a veterinary surgeon.
- a person who is registered, or otherwise recognised, as a veterinary surgeon in another State or a Territory.
- a person who has successfully completed an approved course in the implantation of microchips in cats, who is also currently implanting microchips in cats
(i) for a cat management facility; or
(ii) under the direct on-site supervision of a veterinary surgeon;
- a person who is implanting microchips in cats for the purposes of undertaking an approved course in the implantation of microchips in cats, provided that the person is implanting the microchips under the direct on-site supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
Approved course for implantation of microchips
The Secretary, NRE Tasmania has approved the following course in the implantation of microchips:
There are currently no registered training providers in Tasmania offering the course; however, the course is offered by several training providers in other states.
Approval from the Secretary, NRE Tasmania to be a microchip implanter
A person can be recognised as a microchip implanter if they are approved by the Secretary, NRE Tasmania.
To be considered for approval as a microchip implanter, a person can write to the Secretary providing details and evidence of their relevant qualifications and experience with microchip implantation of cats. The letter can be sent via email to: catmanagement@nre.tas.gov.au.
Will the State Government be subsidising the cost of microchipping and desexing?
No. Microchipping and desexing are the responsibility of the owner of the cat. Discounted microchipping and desexing of cats are offered at a number of vets and
Cat Management Facilitiesacross Tasmania.