Find out where your new pet comes from with the introduction of a new online database aimed at protecting our furry friends.
From 1 July 2019, dogs and cats advertised for sale or give away will need a source number from the new Victorian government Pet Exchange Register (PER) which identifies an individual, breeder, business or shelter.
Residents getting a new furry family member will be encouraged to check the validity of a seller on the register before they bring their new dog, cat, puppy or kitten home.
It will be an offence for an advertisement not to have a valid microchip number and a PER source number – this applies to advertisers selling or giving away dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, as well as publishers of the advertisements.