SNY01988

Chip Happens! Why Microchipping Matters

45 hours ago

When it comes to protecting our furry friends, a little chip can go a long way. The New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) - run by Companion Animals NZ, is a registered charity that plays a vital role in keeping Kiwi pets safe and sound. NZCAR is a national database of microchipped companion animals, created to help reunite lost pets with their owners quickly and efficiently. It’s the go-to resource for vets, councils, and shelters when a lost animal turns up.

Microchipping is a one-off injection that has life-long benefits for your pets. The benefits of microchipping are huge:

  • Immediate Contact: If your pet is found and taken to a vet, SPCA, or council facility, a microchip means you can be contacted immediately.

  • Faster Reunions: After the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, over 80% of microchipped pets were quickly reunited with their owners. Those without any ID took much longer to find their way home.

  • Legal Proof of Ownership: A microchip serves as legal ID if there’s ever a dispute over ownership or if your pet is stolen.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • Cats: $65

  • Dogs: $95 (this includes both NZCAR and DCC registration)

While your pet can be microchipped at any age it is a requirement by The Dog Control Act 1996 that all dogs be microchipped and registered with their local councils. This registration is different to the New Zealand Companion Animal Register. There is however, no legal requirement to microchip your feline friends, it is highly recommended and highly encouraged to do so as they are more likely to go out hunting and get lost. 

 

Registration is easy!

Just book an appointment - this can be done at the same time as vaccinations, consultation or any basic procedure. At the appointment, you'll complete a registration form with your contact details. Then a vet or vet nurse will place the microchip under your pet’s skin and it is about the same size as a grain of rice. Your pet’s information is then registered on the NZCAR database, and you'll receive a confirmation email to manage or update your details. The microchip itself only stores the unique ID number, not any personal information and can be scanned at any vet clinic, SPCA, and animal shelter/control centers. 

 

Your registration fee does more than just protect your pet. Funds from NZCAR go directly into supporting research, education, and advocacy for companion animal welfare in New Zealand. A microchip may be tiny, but it makes a massive difference. Whether it’s getting your pet home safely or supporting animal welfare across Aotearoa, the NZCAR is a smart and compassionate choice for every pet owner. 

Visit NZCAR’s website for more information or give us a call!