Microchipping your dog

A microchip carries a number unique to your dog.  

• It is very similar to a supermarket barcode.  A microchip is a transponder, which means it responds to a scanner. 
• It is not a transmitter and has no power source.
• A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. 
• The microchip will be implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades.  The procedure is as simple as a vaccination.

If your dog gets lost and picked up by animal control, or is injured and taken to a vet, the microchip can be scanned to find the number.  This increases the chances of getting your dog back.

Which dogs are legally required to be microchipped?

All dogs registered for the first time, except working farm dogs must be microchipped.  Also dogs that :

• have been classified as dangerous or menacing on or after 1 December 2003.
• are unregistered and get impounded
• are registered and get impounded twice

A new puppy or dog registered for the first time (except working farm dogs) must be microchipped within 2 months of first registration.

A dog that has been classified dangerous or menacing on or after 1 December 2003, must be microchipped within 2 months of being classified.  This is a legal requirement of the Dog Control Act 1996.

• Veterinarians and council's Animal Control Officers can insert microchips
• Microchipping does not apply to currently registered safe breeds. 

If your dog is not mentioned above, you can still get it microchipped. There are many dogs already microchipped by caring owners. Many exotic and expensive breeds are microchipped all over the world. Talk to your Veterinarian.

What are the benefits of microchipping

If your dog is lost, stolen or has escaped and strayed, it can easily be identified.  If your dog is stolen, there is nowhere in New Zealand where it cannot be traced if it is scanned.  

Who can insert the microchip and how much will it cost?

Veterinarians can microchip

• each chip costs about $10 and insertion together with certificates and transfer of information, ranges from $35 to $75.

Council's animal control officers can microchip your dog

• cost $20 - you must make an appointment 

You still need to register your dog every year - see registration information.