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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.
Read fee table.
Dog fees | Fee (incl. GST) |
---|
Micro-chip a dog | $39 |
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.
Dog e-newsletter
For the latest information about owning a dog in Auckland,
sign up for our dog e-newsletter.
Related topics
Responsible Dog Owner Licence (RDOL) | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/responsible-dog-owner-licence | Responsible Dog Owner Licence (RDOL) | Find out how to apply for a Responsible Dog Owner Licence and get a discounted registration fee. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Dogs | |
Get a licence to keep more than two dogs on a property | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/Pages/licence-keep-more-than-two-dogs.aspx | Get a licence to keep more than two dogs on a property | Find out if you need a licence to keep multiple dogs on your property. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Dogs | |
Change your dog's ownership details | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/change-your-contact-details/Pages/change-dog-ownership-details.aspx | Change your dog's ownership details | To change dog ownership, both the existing owner and new owner have to sign the Change of ownership form. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Dogs | |
Update your dog's details (including microchipping and de-sexing) | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/change-your-contact-details/Pages/update-dog-details-microchipping-desexing.aspx | Update your dog's details (including microchipping and de-sexing) | Find out how to update your dog's details including microchipping and de-sexing. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Dogs | |
De-sex your dog | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/guide-for-dog-owners/Pages/desex-your-dog.aspx | De-sex your dog | Find out about de-sexing your dog. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Dogs | |
Get a replacement disc or strap for your dog | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/register-your-dog/Pages/replacement-disc-strap-for-dog.aspx | Get a replacement disc or strap for your dog | If your dog has lost its registration tag, request for a replacement disc or strap. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Dogs | |
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