Why should I get my pet micro-chipped?

17 Oct 2018

Micro-chipping is a great way to safely and permanently identify your cat or dog.

In July 2006 it became a legal requirement that all puppies be micro-chipped by three months of age.

A micro-chip is a rice grain sized computer chip which is implanted by injection under the skin on the back of the neck.  Each chip has a unique numerical code which can be identified with a special scanning device.  Your cat or dog's code is matched with your contact details in a database.  Micro-chipping is very important if your cat or dog wanders, is involved in an accident, or is lost or stolen.  In most cases your pet will either end up at a vet clinic, at the SPCA or at the local pound.  By scanning your cat or dog, identifying its unique micro-chip code and then searching the appropriate data base you are then able to be contacted.

We recommend registering your pet's micro-chip number, description and your contact details with The New Zealand Companion Animal Register.  The advantage of doing this is that veterinarians and other animal care providers (e.g. SPCA) throughout the world can access your contact details 24 hours a day 7 days a week via the Internet.  You are able to view, edit and update these important details on-line free of charge. 
Should your pet go missing you can also register him/her as being lost using the free lost and found page.

The city council micro-chip data base is for dogs only.  For this reason all cats must have their micro-chip numbers registered. Only council staff can access the council dog microchip data base.  Due to information privacy issues council staff are unable to release your contact details even in an emergency situation. It is up to council staff to make contact with you with regard to your pet's whereabouts and condition.  Council office opening hours are often a limiting factor in this situation.