Dogs

Dog registration

Microchipping

Does my dog need to be microchipped?
Getting your dog microchipped
Exceptions
Penalties

Does my dog need to be microchipped?

Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the following dogs must be microchipped:

dogs registered for the first time after 1 July 2006
dogs classified as "menacing: or "dangerous" after 1 December 2003
unregistered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
registered dogs impounded twice after 1 July 2006.

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected into the scruff of a dog's neck. It has a unique number that can be listed on both council records and the National Dog Database. Once microchipped, your dog can be "scanned" for his or her microchip number and easily identified through either database.

There are two major reasons for microchipping a dog:

to identify a lost or stolen dog and return him or her to the owner
to identify a dog which has been aggressive and classified as dangerous or menacing. This is especially important if a dog owner attempts to disguise the dog's identity.

Getting your dog microchipped

Microchipping is done by your vet and is a simple, straightforward procedure with minimal risks.

Approximate charges are between $35 and $95. If microchipping is done at the same time as other services are provided, for example vaccinating or neutering, the microchipping costs may be less.

Your vet will give you several copies of the microchip barcode details. You will need to post or fax a copy of this to:

Animal Administration
Private Bag 92516
Wellesley Street
Auckland 1141
Fax: (09) 353 9668

Alternatively, you can scan a signed copy of the microchip details and email us.

Exceptions

All dogs registered for the first time after 1 July 2006 must be microchipped unless the dog is kept solely or principally for the purposes of herding or driving stock.

Animal control officers may ask for a demonstration of the dog herding or driving stock.

If you believe your dog should not be microchipped for any reason, you must write to the address above explaining why not. Include all relevant documentation (eg a certificate from a registered vet about your dog's health condition).

Penalties

If you do not arrange for your dog to be microchipped, you will have committed an offence under the Dog Control Act 1996 and

Auckland City Council may issue you an infringement notice with a fee of $300
if the Court considers the matter, eg, through a defended hearing of the infringement notice, the Court may impose a fine up to $3,000
an animal control officer may seize and impound your dog until you agree to neuter him/her. If your dog is impounded and do not agree to pay for its microchipping, your dog may be adopted or euthanised seven days after impoundment.

Reviewed May 2008