The introduction of micro-chipping as a part of the national greyhound identification process commenced in New South Wales in 2011.

In accordance with the amended Australasian Greyhound Racing Rules, all greyhounds whelped after 1 January 2011 are required to be micro-chipped by Greyhound Racing NSW as part of the identification procedure.

To assist participants, the below information should provide answers to common questions regarding the implementation.

What is a microchip?
The microchip is a small devise placed under the skin of the greyhound along the centre the back/neck between the shoulder blades. The microchip comes in a sterile needle which is injected into place. Each microchip holds a unique 15 digit number which is dormant and read when scanned by an externally powered scanner. The microchip holds no other information.

So has the microchip replaced ear branding?
No, greyhounds will be ear branded in one ear not two:

Left ear brand – being five alpha characters
i. N - being state
ii. A – being year first year 2011, B second year
iii. AAA – the next three digits will be sequential

The microchip will form part of the identification protocols for a greyhound which will also include: Sex, colour, markings, and ear brand and microchip number.

When will micro-chipping be done and by who?
Microchip implantation will be done at the same time your pups are ear branded and marked, which is between 12 and 16 weeks. The implantation will be done by GRNSW Integrity Officers and veterinarians.

What qualifications do GRNSW Integrity Officers have to be able to microchip?
GRNSW Integrity Officers undertaking microchip implantation have undergone formal training to receive a nationally recognised qualification in the implantation of microchip identification devices in dogs.

Integrity Officers have to ensure the micro-chipping process complies with regulatory requirements and is carried out aseptically, with minimum discomfort to the animal.

Following accreditation, Integrity Officers are monitored and assessed on a quarterly basis to ensure operational protocols and procedures are being adhered. Only Integrity Officers approved by GRNSW in accordance with the Greyhound Racing Rules are permitted to ear brand and microchip greyhounds in NSW.

In addition each Integrity Officer will be annually assessed by an approved veterinarian as part of GRNSW quality assurance standards.

Where is the microchip implanted?
The microchip must be implanted in the greyhound between the shoulder blades under the skin.

Can the microchip move?
With improved technology microchip migration is a rare occurrence. The microchip being used for greyhounds is coated to reduce migration. Importantly a microchip is inserted under the skin and cannot migrate into muscle or joints.

Greyhounds are currently exempt from being registered under the Companion Animals Act. Will micro-chipping change this?
No, under clause 16(g) of the Companions Animal Regulation 2008, a greyhound registered in accordance with the NSW Greyhound Racing Rules is exempt from this requirement.

Should a greyhound cease to be registered under the NSW Greyhound Racing Rules e.g. a racing or breeding greyhound it would be required to be registered with the owner’s local council as a pet.

Will my greyhound’s information be given to outside agencies, e.g. local councils?
No, GRNSW maintains the records for racing and breeding greyhounds in NSW. Greyhounds that have been retired as pets or have been impounded by a council will have their microchip and ownership details added to the NSW Companion Animals Register.

All information collected in relation to ownership or racing and breeding greyhounds is done so in accordance with GRNSW’s Privacy Policy.

What does it cost me to microchip my greyhound?
For NSW greyhound industry members there will be no impact either financially or operationally with microchip implantation.

What do I need to do?
Register your litter as normal and ensure that when your identification appointment is set, that your pups are presented in a clean and hygienic manner.

If you have any further questions please complete our enquiry form here