Learn how microchips work, why your dog should have one, how registration works and what to do if your contact details change.
A microchip is a tiny chip containing a unique ID number for your pet. It is about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under your dog's skin by a vet.
The procedure only takes a few seconds.
A microchip does not track your dog. Instead, it provides a reliable way for vets, shelters and other authorised organisations to identify your dog and contact you if they are found.
If your dog is found and taken to a vet, shelter or council facility, a microchip can allow them to identify your dog and contact you.
Here are some of the most common questions about microchipping your dog.
A microchip is a tiny chip with an ID number that is unique to your pet.
It is about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under your pet's skin by a vet. It only takes a few seconds to insert.
The microchip does not contain a GPS tracker or tracking device. It can only be read using a proper scanning device.
A microchip is not a GPS tracker.
It contains a unique identification number. The chip can only be read using a proper scanning device, such as those used by vets, shelters and animal control services.
If you want to actively track a roaming or stolen dog, you would need a separate GPS tracking device.
A microchip gives your dog a much better chance of being reunited with you if they become lost or stolen.
If your dog is found and taken to a vet, SPCA, shelter or council facility, the microchip can be scanned and the registered owner can be identified.
Microchipping is particularly useful because collars and tags can be lost or removed.
When your pet is microchipped, the vet records the microchip number along with your pet's details and your contact information.
We recommend registering your pet with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register.
Keeping these details up to date is important so that you can be contacted if your dog is found.
Visit the NZ Companion Animal Register →If you move house or change your phone number, update your details with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register.
There is no charge to update your information.
Keeping your contact information current is one of the most important parts of having your dog microchipped.
A microchip is important, but it should not replace your dog's collar and ID tag.
Collars and tags make it easy for someone who finds your dog to contact you immediately.
Collars and tags can also be lost or removed, which is why having both a tag and a microchip is best.
Microchipping is required for dogs being registered in New Zealand for the first time, with an exception for working farm dogs.
Dogs generally need to be microchipped and registered before they reach 12 weeks of age.
Local rules can also apply to other animals. For example, Whangārei District requires cats to be microchipped from 6 months of age.
A microchip is designed to last for your pet's lifetime.
The important thing is keeping the registration and contact details associated with the chip up to date.
Dogs who are desexed through The Best Dog Trust community desexing programme receive a microchip as part of the programme.
The microchip is inserted at the same time as the desexing procedure.
Find out about the programmeDesexing helps reduce unwanted puppies, while microchipping helps reunite lost dogs with their families.
The safest approach is to use several forms of identification for your dog.
A microchip provides permanent identification, while a collar and ID tag give someone who finds your dog an easy way to contact you straight away.
Remember to update your microchip registration whenever your address, phone number or other contact details change.
Permanent identification that can be scanned.
Makes your dog identifiable when they're out and about.
Gives someone who finds your dog a direct way to contact you.
Our community desexing programme includes a microchip for dogs who are eligible for support.
Desexing can help prevent unwanted litters and provide important health and welfare benefits.
Read the desexing FAQs