Microchip identification should provide you with some peace of mind, because it provides a permanent link to you as an owner, both now and in to the future, for the life of your pet. There is a network of readers across Australia, and agencies routinely scanning all unidentified strays, and our experience is that recoveries are frequent and sometimes your pet may be located even years later or in other States.

How does microchipping work? Pet becomes lost Pet is collected by ranger, paser-by, vet, animal welfare shelter Microchip scanned Animal Recovery Service called and microchip number quoted Owner contacted and advised pet has been found Pet returned home

STEP 1:	Contact the local Council local laws department and advise them that your pet is missing. It is also worth contacting neighbouring Councils in case your pet is found over your Council boundary.
STEP 2:	Visit your local Council pound facility, not just once, but regularly, as pets sometimes are presented days or weeks later. A large number of animals pass through pounds, and sometimes your description over the telephone, especially cross breeds, can be misinterpreted.
STEP 3:	Contact the animal welfare societies in your area. The numbers can be located in the Yellow Pages under "animal welfare". It is advisable to contact all that are listed, even if they are out of your local area. Animals have been known to travel great distances and there is the possibility that the animal could have been picked up and taken out of the area.
STEP 4:	Contact veterinarians in your local area and after hours emergency veterinarian centres to advise that the animal is missing.
STEP 5:	Door knock or letter drop your local area. Cats especially can be locked in garages or under houses.  Ask your neighbours to please check.
STEP 6:	Place notices in the local shops advising that the animal is missing. It is beneficial if you can include a recent photograph of the animal.
STEP 7:	Contact the local media. Local newspapers can place an ad in the "lost and found" section of the newspaper. Radio stations may announce lost animals in the community announcement sections.
STEP 8:	Contact Central Animal Records (if the animal has a microchip) and advise that your pet is missing. This also gives the opportunity to confirm your contact details so that we can contact you the moment we are contacted with the whereabouts of your pet.
	Good luck, we wish you every success in locating your pet.