Microchipping allows your dog to have a unique and permanent identification, which is stored on the National Dog Database through your council dog registration.
The microchip is very small (about the size of a grain of rice) and is implanted under the skin in the scruff of the neck of the dog. It functions similarly to a barcode, which means it responds to a scanner and contains a permanent identifying code unique to your dog.
Information relating to every dog (including the unique microchip number) is stored on the National Dog Database.
Which dogs are required to be microchipped?
- Dogs registered for the first time on or after 1 July 2006
- Unregistered dogs that are impounded
- Registered dogs that are impounded for a second time from 1 July 2006
- Dogs classified as dangerous after 1 December 2003
- Dogs classified as menacing after 1 December 2003
Which dogs are exempt from microchipping?
Dogs kept solely or principally for the purposes of herding or driving stock (unless they are unregistered and impounded, or impounded for a second time).
Where do I get my dog micro-chipped and how much does it cost?
Vets can micro-chip your dog, and their charges will vary. It is important if your vet does this for you that you provide a copy of the microchip certificate to Council so that it can be loaded onto your dog's record, and therefore onto the National Dog Database.
Animal control officers also microchip dogs. This normally takes place at the Ngaruawahia dog pound after pre-paying the $37.00 fee at a Council office.
Most impounded dogs must be micrchipped before release from the pound. The only exemption to microchipping in this circumstance is if your dog is registered when impounded and has not previously been impounded since 1 July 2006. The microchipping fee will be charged along an impounding fee and any other relevant fees, the total of which must be paid before a dog can be released.