Microchipping and registration – why do both?

Did you know that all dogs born after 2006 are legally required to be microchipped?

It’s a simple procedure where a microchip as big as a grain of rice is slipped just under your dog’s skin. The number registered to the microchip goes onto a database and is registered against your contact details. So if you ever get separated from your pet, we can reunite you quick smart. Registration is also legally required (and it pays for all the important things we do to support our dog community), but sometimes registration tags get lost. Microchips are there for life.

All up 8887 out of 10101 dogs in the Western Bay are microchipped. But we know some of you will have dogs microchipped but we don’t have their numbers on our records (check via your dog registration form).

If your dog is microchipped send us a certificate or a photo of your vet book, it’ll help us reunite you if you get separated.

Microchip tip: Your dog’s microchip number is automatically added to the national Dog Database through your dog registration at no extra charge.

The National Dog Database is managed by the Department of Internal Affairs and is used only by Councils to identify dogs and find their rightful owners.

For a fee you can also add your information to the New Zealand Companion Animal Register is an open online data base. Vets and other approved agents use it to contact you should they find your pet https://www.animalregister.co.nz/

But rest assured, we also work closely with local vets to help all lost animals to find their way home.

Still need convincing?

Fines are more expensive than fees. If your dog isn’t registered or microchipped, you could get a $300 fine. So it’s best to do both, as they are both legally required (working dogs are exempt from normal microchipping requirements).