Microchipping

Have you ever wondered why pets get microchipped? Microchipping acts as a safety net for our furry friends, providing a safe and permanent way to make sure your pet can find their way home if they ever get lost.

What are microchips and how do they work?

A microchip is a tiny chip about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique identification number. For cats, dogs, and rabbits, the microchip is implanted just beneath the skin on the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades. For other pets, the location of the microchip may vary, so it’s best to consult your vet team for more details.

If your pet is found and brought to a vet clinic, SPCA or animal shelter, the staff will use a microchip scanner to read the unique identification number on your pet’s microchip. They will then look up your contact details on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) database.

Vet tip: Remember, your pet’s microchip number must be registered with the appropriate database in order to be associated with your contact details, as the microchip itself only contains a unique number.

Key features of microchips

Microchips don’t require a battery, consume energy, or need replacement; they are designed to last for your pet’s entire life.
Pet microchips don’t include tracking or GPS capabilities. To ensure you can be reunited with your pet, it’s essential to register them with the appropriate database and keep your contact details up to date.
Unlike conventional collars and tags, a microchip cannot be removed or lost.

When should you microchip your pet?

We recommended microchipping your pet as soon as possible, ideally when they are a puppy, kitten or young animal. Breeders often take care of microchipping and may complete NZCAR registration with your contact details too. If you’re unsure about your pet’s microchip status, simply take them to your local vet for a scan. It only takes a few minutes, and they can check if the microchip details are correct.

For older pets, microchipping can be done at any time. Speak with your veterinary team for guidance.

Where should you register your pet’s microchip?

For dogs, it’s recommended to register their microchip with two places: through your local council on the National Dog Database (NDD) and the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). Learn about the differences between the NDD and the NZCAR here.

It’s a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped and registered on the NDD with your local council by the age of three months, and the registration must be renewed annually. You must contact your local council to register your dog, as this cannot be done on your behalf by your veterinary clinic.

If you have a new dog, cat, rabbit, horse, bird, goat or any other pet, and they are microchipped, you can register them on the NZCAR.

The NZCAR serves as a lost and found microchip database for all pets with the purpose of helping them find their way back home. While registration with the NZCAR is voluntary, it’s strongly encouraged. The NZCAR is New Zealand’s leading microchip database, with over 950 Approved Users nationwide, including vet clinics, SPCA, and various animal organisations, all dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Your vet will likely register your pet after the microchip is implanted, and you should receive a confirmation email. You can also register your pet’s microchip yourself online. Registration on the NZCAR involves a one-off fee, and once registered, your pet’s information remains active for life.

How to update your pet’s microchip details

Keeping your contact details up-to-date is essential. If you move, change your phone number, or rehome your pet, it’s essential to update your details. This ensures that if your pet goes missing, you can be reunited quickly.

Make sure to update your details on the NZCAR, and for dog owners, remember to update your details with your local council (NDD) as well.

Is microchipping your pet required by law?

Dogs: Yes, microchipping is mandatory. All dogs must be microchipped and registered with your local council by the age of 3 months.
Cats: Microchipping requirements vary by region. In some areas, it’s now required to have your cat desexed, microchipped, and registered on the NZCAR. Be sure to check your regional bylaws for specific requirements. Find out more about New Zealand’s local Cat Bylaws here.

What if my pet goes missing?

Visit the NZCAR Lost Pet Advice page and follow the steps to mark your pet as lost, then create a LostPet listing.

When your pet is microchipped and registered on the NZCAR, if someone finds your pet and takes them into a vet clinic, SPCA or animal shelter, the staff will scan for a microchip. Once located, they will look up the number on the NZCAR and contact you immediately. This is why it is essential to keep your contact details up-to-date!