Yes I attended an official course run by vets, and you are not allowed to be authorised until they are happy with your technique - we actually had to take two of our own dogs and chip them, after practising on a cuddly toy.
Nicki where I am even Veterinarians have to do an approved Course in Microchip Implantation as mentioned in our Government DPI Regulations.
An Authorised Implanter is:
For the purposes of implanting a cat or dog:
1. Registered Veterinarians (Victorian registration) who have undertaken the DPI approved "Australian Veterinary Association Victorian Microchip Implementation Course".
2. Persons with Certificate IV / Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Nursing, Certificate III in Animal Technology, Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation / Animal Welfare (Regulation) or another approved qualification
. . o who have successfully completed the VBN287 Course in Microchip Implantation Procedures Competency for Cats and Dogs, and
. . o who are employed by, or have a written agreement for supervision with, a veterinarian.
Just to let everyone know what happens where I am.
Mandatory microchipping laws started years ago in one state of Australia, then over the years has gradually spread to other states around Australia. Prior to mandatory microchipping there was a voluntary stage.
Where I am by the Law the breeder must microchip every pup before selling or giving away the pups, a form is filled with all the details by the breeder plus also by the autharised implanter and then that form is sent to Central Animal Records.
When someone purchases a pup, another form is filled in by the breeder, that form is then handed to the puppy purchaser where the purchaser must fill in the rest of that form then send it to Central Animal Records this to transfer ownership. If the puppy purchaser does not fill in the form and send it in, Central Animal Records will still have the breeder listed as the owner. In the case of a lost form the puppy purchaser would have to contact the breeder and request them to send another form.
In Australia Local Governments implemented "by-laws" that require owners to supply microchip details for all new registrations/licenses and all dogs must have Local Government registrations/licenses. If someone tries to obtain a registration/license and has not got the microchip number then officials will ask where did they obtain the dog from and where they may investigate.
Authorised Inspectors have door knocked throughout my area checking registrations/licenses and for various permits where required, and yes they also have microchip scanners. At puppy farms every dog has a registration/license and also is microchipped and the inspectors can check each dog one by one. Some puppy farmers and backyard breeders do hide but the more pups they sell then the more likely they will get caught, and even a lady enquiring to buy a pup just might be an Inspector.
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