Microchipping is a simple and permanent form of identification that forms part of responsible pet ownership and routine preventative care. A microchip provides a reliable way to link an animal to its owner and supports accurate identification throughout a pet’s life.
At Takurua Vets, microchipping is offered as a routine veterinary service and can be performed during standard consultations, vaccinations, desexing procedures, or as a standalone appointment.
A microchip is a small electronic device, approximately the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Each microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read using a scanner.
The microchip itself does not store personal information. Instead, the identification number links to a secure registry where owner contact details are recorded.
Microchipping provides permanent identification that cannot be lost, removed, or damaged in the way collars and tags can be. It supports continuity of care, accurate record keeping, and clear identification during veterinary visits, travel, or changes in ownership.
Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in New Zealand, with limited exemptions. While microchipping cats is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended as part of good preventative and welfare-focused care.
Implanting a microchip is only effective if the associated contact details are accurate and kept up to date. In New Zealand, microchip information is typically recorded on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), which is the national database used by veterinary clinics, councils, and animal welfare organisations to identify pets and contact owners.
For dogs, microchipping and registration are linked but not the same thing. Dogs must be registered with the local council, and the council uses the microchip number to confirm identity. Updating your details on NZCAR does not automatically update your council dog registration, and council registration changes do not always update NZCAR. Both records need to be kept current.
For cats, registration is usually limited to NZCAR, as there is no council registration requirement. Keeping NZCAR details accurate is therefore especially important.
Changes such as moving house, updating phone numbers, or transferring ownership should be recorded promptly on NZCAR and, for dogs, updated separately with the relevant council.
Our team can provide guidance on NZCAR registration and help ensure details are recorded correctly at the time of microchipping.
Microchipping can be performed at most ages and stages of life. It is commonly done during puppy and kitten visits, at the time of desexing, or when an adult pet joins a household without an existing microchip.
The procedure is quick and generally well tolerated. Sedation is not usually required, although microchipping can be combined with other procedures when appropriate.
Microchipping fits naturally alongside vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine health checks. It provides a long-term foundation for identification and is often recommended when establishing care with a new veterinary clinic.
If you are unsure whether your pet is microchipped, we can scan them during a consultation and advise on next steps if needed.
If your puppy or kitten is ready for microchipping, your adult pet has never been chipped, or you are unsure whether an existing microchip is active and linked to the right details, we are happy to help. We can scan for an existing chip, arrange microchipping if needed, and guide you on recording or updating the correct ownership information.
Use this for the broader plan around identification, vaccines, parasite protection and routine checks.
Vaccination visits are a common time to review records, reminders and protection.
Microchipping and desexing are often discussed during early life-stage planning.
Routine checks help keep identification, records and health planning current.
