HomeSafeID data risk: Action required

26 Jun 2025

Veterinarians are advised that the HomeSafeID microchip registry is expected to be fully shut down at the end of this month, with the website and access to registry data likely to be lost  

While Victoria and Queensland governments have stepped in to secure data relevant for their States, AVA is not aware of a plan in Tasmania, Western Australia, the ACT or Northern Territory. Pet records held in these jurisdictions may be at risk of being lost.

What You Need to Know:

  • AVA has confirmed that data from HomeSafeID is not yet secured in TAS, WA, ACT and NT.
  • While NSW and SA have their own Government run and mandatory databases, some residents of these States may also have, or only have, their pet’s details lodged with HomeSafeID.
  • These state and territory governments advise that pet owners re-register their animals with a new microchip provider.
  • There is a real possibility of animals becoming permanently untraceable if their microchip details are lost.

What You Can Do Now:

  1. Check your clinic records for any pets previously registered with HomeSafeID - and encourage those clients to re-register their animals as soon as possible.
  2. Advise clients in affected states/territories to transfer microchip details to a new registry.
  3. Direct any concerns or questions to AVA – we are working with relevant authorities and will continue to provide updates.

We are also contacting veterinary boards in affected jurisdictions to help ensure vets receive consistent, clear advice on this issue.

Thank you for acting swiftly to help protect the animals in your care.

 

Unsure how to communicate this with your clients?
Below is a draft email you can send out to your clients.

Subject: Important Update: Your Pet’s Microchip Details May Be at Risk

Dear [Client Name / Pet Owner],

We’re contacting you with an urgent update about your pet’s microchip registration.

HomeSafeID, one of Australia’s microchip registries, has shut down without notice. While governments in Victoria and Queensland have taken steps to secure the data, no such action has been taken in Tasmania, Western Australia, the ACT, or the Northern Territory.

If your pet’s microchip was registered with HomeSafeID, their identifying details may now be at risk of being lost.

What You Can Do:

  • Check your microchip paperwork via petaddress.com.au
    • You can check on the website petaddress.com.au which accesses the privately owned Microchip Registries, including HomeSafeID.
  • If your pet was registered with HomeSafeID, we recommend you contact an alternative microchip registry to arrange a transfer. We can help with this.
  • Act promptly - ensuring your pet’s microchip details are current and accessible is vital in case your pet ever becomes lost.