Microchipping - who does what and when?
For any queries on this issue please contact Animal Services Centre.
What do I need to do?
If you have:
- A new puppy
- A dog that has never been registered in New Zealand
Then you must microchip within two months of registration (first registration occurs when puppies are three months old, or straight away if your new dog is older than that, but unregistered).
Owners of dogs registered for the first time after 1 July 2006 will receive a letter advising that they are required to have the dog chipped within 60 days and to provide a copy of the microchip certificate to the council.
Working dogs used in the owners occupation for herding and driving stock are exempt. All other categories of working dogs will have to comply and only the farming sector dogs are exempt.
If you have a dog that has been classified dangerous or menacing on or after 1 December 2003 then you must microchip within two months of being classified, (or by 1 September 2006, if classified between 1 December 2003 and 30 June 2006).
What about other dogs?
From 1 July 2006 most other dogs in New Zealand will not need to be microchipped, unless they are:
- classified as dangerous or menacing on or after 1 December 2003
- being registered for the first time
- unregistered and are impounded
- registered and get impounded twice from 1 July 2006
How much will it cost?
Council's Animal Control Officers charge $30 and ask your local vet for their fee, for inserting a microchip (excluding the cost of the actual microchip and other costs). You may be able to save money by microchipping when your dog is being vaccinated or having other treatment.
Who can microchip dogs?
Most vets can microchip dogs. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and will be inserted into the scruff of your dog's neck. It contains a number that belongs only to your dog, providing a secure and reliable way of identifying it for the rest of its life. As with other injections, microchipping is a simple procedure.
Council Animal Control Officers will microchip all dogs which are unregistered and are impounded, or registered and impounded twice.
What if my dog has been microchipped?
If your dog has already been microchipped and you have not provided Council with a microchipping certificate you will need to make your dog available at the Animal Service Centre, 21 Meachen Street, Seaview between the hours of 8.00 to 9.00am; 12noon to 1.00pm; 4.00pm to 5.00pm, or present your dog to your vet, so that the dog can be scanned to verify that the chip is of the standard required.
What if I don't microchip?
If your dog must be microchipped, you will need to get this done by the required date (usually within two months of registration) or you could be fined.
Dog registration and microchipping are two separate processes. You must register your dog every year, but you only need to microchip your dog once.