Microchip your dog

What is microchipping?

Microchipping is a one-time procedure. It is a separate process from dog registration. You must register your dog every year, but you only need to microchip your dog once.

A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin behind the dog's neck.

Vets can perform the procedure and advise you of any risks.

Cost of microchipping

Vets' charges vary for this procedure. Alternatively, Auckland Council Animal Shelters can microchip your dog for the amount shown below. Contact the shelters for more information.

The cost may be lower if the procedure is done at the same time as vaccination or de-sexing.

Why you need to microchip your dog

New puppies and dogs have to be microchipped within two months of first registration.

A 15-digit unique number assigned to the microchip helps identify your dog through our registration records and the National Dog Database. The microchip number will retrieve your contact details.

Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the following dogs must be microchipped:

• Dogs registered for the first time
• Dogs classified as menacing or dangerous
• Unregistered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
• Registered dogs impounded twice 1 July 2006
• Imported dogs with microchip that does not comply with New Zealand standards.

Exemptions

Dogs used mainly for herding or driving stock do not have to be microchipped, unless the dog:

• has been classified as menacing or dangerous, or
• has been impounded when unregistered, or
• has been impounded twice after 1 July 2006.

If your dog cannot be microchipped, you must provide a document from a registered veterinarian stating that it is not fit for microchipping by the required date.

Post it to:

Animal Management

  Auckland Council

  Private Bag 92300

  Auckland 1142

Why we want you to microchip your dog

Microchipping helps us:

• identify dogs that are roaming or lost
• reunite dogs with their owners
• keep track of dangerous or menacing dogs.

If you don't microchip your dog

• It will be difficult for you to find your dog if it goes missing.
• You are committing an infringement offence and may get a fine of $300 – see Schedule 1 of the Dog Control Act 1996.
• The court may impose a fine of up to $3000 if there is a court hearing for the fine.

Let us know your dog's microchip number

You have two months, from when you register your dog for the first time, to provide us with your dog's microchip number. Your vet will give you several copies of this.

Go to Update your dog's details (including microchipping and de-sexing) and send us a vet certificate with a microchip barcode.

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