Important update on HomeSafeID: Action required for veterinarians and pet owners

We want to provide an important update on HomeSafeID, one of Australia’s non-institutional microchip registries. With ongoing uncertainty about its future, veterinarians and pet owners should take immediate steps to safeguard pet registration records.

Current situation

• HomeSafeID is not in liquidation, but a related company, PET ELECTRONIC TAGS (P.E.T.S) PTY LTD, is in liquidation.
• Both companies share the same sole director, who is currently unreachable.
• The HomeSafeID website https://www.homesafeid.com/ remains operational for now, but may go offline in the future.
• HomeSafeID is not answering telephone or email communications, and it is likely that new registrations and transfers of ownership are not being processed.

What this means for microchip records

Victoria:

• HomeSafeID is no longer licensed under the Victorian Domestic Animals Act 1994 to provide an animal registry service (microchip registry) for Victorian pet owners.
• As an authorised implanter in Victoria, you must no longer register implanted microchips for clients’ animals with HomeSafeID.
• Detailed Information for Authorised Veterinarian Implanters:
  • If you have submitted microchip registration forms to HomeSafeID since November 2024 there is a possibility that the records have not been entered in the database, meaning the microchips may not be registered with HomeSafeID. You are encouraged to register these microchips with another animal registry service licenced in Victoria, the names of which are listed below and for which further details can be found here. 
  • To ensure continuity in microchip registrations, Animal Welfare Victoria (AWV) advises that you now register your clients' animals’ microchip details with one of the following Victorian-licensed registries:
    • Australasian Animal Registry
    • Central Animal Records
    • Global Microchip Animal Registry
    • Petsafe
  • AWV has received existing Victorian records for cats, dogs and horses that were held by HomeSafeID. AWV is in the process of selecting a currently approved animal registry service to receive the Victorian data for cats, dogs and horses. Once this data is received by the selected animal registry service, owners will be contacted by the registry with further information in the coming weeks.  For other species, you may wish to advise that owners register any new and existing microchips with one of the approved registries (above).
  • Finally, our records indicate that as an authorised implanter you have been issued an AXXXX number, which satisfies the requirements of Regulation 12(a)(xi) of the Domestic Animals Regulations 2015. If you need to update the details associated with your AXXXX number, you may contact your preferred Victorian-licensed Animal Registry Service provider or email AWV at pet.welfare@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Queensland:

• The Queensland Government is aware of the issue and developing a response.

Western Australia:

• The Western Australian Government is aware of the issue, and AVA is currently awaiting advice from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Tasmania:

• The Tasmanian Government has advised all pet owners to promptly re-register their pets' microchips with an alternative licensed microchip registry provider. This action is essential to ensure that, in the event your pet becomes lost, their microchip can be used effectively to reunite them with you.​ For further information and updates, please visit the following websites:​

• Cats - Office of Local Government - Microchipping FAQs: dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/local_government/legislation/current_legislation/dog_control/micro-chipping_faqs
• Dogs - Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania - Desexing and Microchipping: nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/responsible-cat-ownership/desexing-and-microchipping

Australian Capital Territory

• The ACT Government is currently advising pet owners to re-register their pets with another licensed microchip registry provider.
• The AVA is currently awaiting further advice from the ACT Government as to what actions they may or may not be taking to secure pet owner data.

Northern Territory

• The AVA is currently awaiting further advice from the NT Government.

New South Wales and South Australia:

• NSW and SA have government-run microchip databases, meaning pet records registered with these official systems are not affected.
• However, if for some reason a pet is only registered with HomeSafeID and not the NSW Pet Registry https://petregistry.nsw.gov.au/  or SA’s Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) https://dogsandcatsonline.com.au/ system, owners should take action to ensure their records remain accessible.

IMPORTANT- WA, TAS, NT, ACT - may be at higher risk:

• Management of owner and animal data associated with microchipped pets is not as regulated in these states and territories, meaning when HomeSafeID becomes unavailable, records could become inaccessible or lost.
• Pet owners and veterinarians in these states and territories should strongly consider transferring records to an alternative licensed national microchip registry.

Recent microchip registrations may be affected:

• Pets microchipped recently and registered with HomeSafeID may not have had their details fully processed.
• Recent applications to transfer the ownership of pets listed on Homesafe ID may also not have been processed.

Action required for veterinary practices

• Review and update your microchip registry provider:
  • If your clinic uses HomeSafeID, we strongly advise transitioning to an alternate licensed registry immediately.
  • Some clinics may have purchased microchips from HomeSafeID and be unaware of the issue. These microchips are still able to be implanted but should be registered with a national microchip registry other than HomeSafeID. If your clinic has unused microchips from HomeSafeID, ensure any future registrations go to a licensed registry.
• Advise pet owners:
  • Encourage clients to check their pet’s registration on the HomeSafeID website https://www.homesafeid.com/  while it remains accessible.
  • Where necessary, provide guidance on transferring records to an alternative registry.
• Stay informed:
  • Monitor updates from your state authority and the AVA.
  • Ensure your practice has a clear communication plan for pet owners regarding microchip registrations.

Action required for pet owners

• Check your pet’s registration:
  • Visit the HomeSafeID website https://www.homesafeid.com/ and confirm your pet’s details while it is still accessible.
  • If you live in NSW or SA, ensure your pet’s details are correctly recorded in your state’s government-run registry.
• Consider transferring to an alternative registry:
  • If you are outside Victoria, Queensland, NSW, or SA, or if you are unsure about HomeSafeID’s future, consult your veterinarian about registering with a licensed alternative national microchip registry.
  • Check your relevant State or Territory’s government website for a list of licensed microchip registries.
  • Be aware that some states restrict dual registration, so check local guidelines before making changes.

How to change your pet’s microchip registration

1. Find out where your pet’s microchip details are stored by visiting petaddress.com.au.
2. Log in to or contact the relevant registry and confirm the details are correct.
3. Apply to register your pet with a licensed microchip registry provider. Your veterinarian can help guide you on which registries are available and compliant with your state’s regulations. Most veterinarians can help by registering your pet with an alternative Microchip Registry, using the existing Microchip, for a small fee.
4. Importantly: there is no need for your pet to be microchipped again.

The AVA will continue monitoring this situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Please share this update with colleagues and clients to ensure pets remain traceable and their microchip data secure.