Currently in New Zealand, microchipping of dogs is a requirement (except for working farm dogs) and optional for other companion animals. Microchipping can be used as identification to ensure pets get back to their rightful owners.
Microchips are a very small device (approximately the size of a grain of rice) and implanted in the scruff of the neck. The microchip has a unique number which is applicable to your pet only.
We highly recommend putting your pet on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). There is a one-off cost for the life of your pet to go on the register and this is money well spent. Once your animal is registered at NZCAR, you will then receive an email asking you to complete your account. Please do this, as you are then able to provide additional information with regards to your pet and ensure that all your details are correct.
Here at Waikiwi Vets, we regularly have concerned members of the public bringing in roaming or injured animals. The first thing we do when they are presented at the clinic is scan for a microchip. If there is a microchip, we then check to see that is registered on the NZCAR. Quite often they are not and that can make it very difficult to get the animals back home. If the pets are on the NZCAR and as long as contact details are current, we can reunite them back with their owner very quickly. We have reunited many pets and their families through NZCAR so can attest to the benefits of having your pets on this register.
Our veterinarians and nurses are able to implant microchips for you, so please call the clinic for an appointment to have this done.
If you are unsure that your pets are on the NZCAR, please contact the clinic and one of our friendly team members will assist you.
Mel Warburton – Customer service