Microchipping

What is a microchip?

A microchip carries a number unique to your dog. This is very similar to supermarket barcode. A microchip is a transponder, which means it responds to a scanner. It is not a transmitter and has no power source.

The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under the skin just forward of the shoulder blades going up the neckline. The procedure is as simple as a vaccination.

Which dogs are required by law to be microchipped?

  • Dogs classified as dangerous or menacing
  • Dogs impounded as unregistered or dogs impounded more than once.
  • Dogs registered for the first time after July 1, 2006.

If my dog is not listed above, can I still get it microchipped?

Yes, there are many dogs already microchipped by caring owners. Many exotic or expensive animals are microchipped all over the world. Talk to your local Veterinarian.

What are the benefits of microchipping?

If your dog is lost, stolen or has escaped or strayed, it can easily be identified. If your dog is stolen, there is nowhere in New Zealand where it cannot be traced if it is scanned.

Every dog that is the subject of a complaint or is impounded will be scanned.

Once my dog is microchipped, will I have to register it?

Yes, microchipping will not replace dog registration. You will still have to register your dog every year.

Are any dogs exempt from microchipping?

Farm working dogs (defined as those that are kept solely or principally for herding or droving stock) are exempt. No other working dogs are exempt.

Free microchipping available

Below are times and places where the Southland District Council will be offering free microchipping. For more information please call 0800 732 732.

 

 

 

About this page

First added: 24 March 2009
Last updated: 8 March 2010

Who to contact

If you would like to discuss a matter on this page, feel free to contact us:

Animal Control
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
dogs@southlanddc.govt.nz