Why your dog should be microchipped

Did you know some dogs have to be microchipped?

The Dog Control Act requires dogs classified as dangerous or menacing or those registered for the first time on or after 1 July 2006 to be microchipped. Only dogs classified as working dogs or dogs that a registered vet has certified as not in a fit condition for microchipping are exempt. Council and Animal Control are responsible for enforcing these rules.

Animal Control Contract Manager James Clark said Marlborough currently had 8,467 microchipped dogs, with a further 511 requiring one.

“Besides complying with legislation, there are several benefits of microchipping including having a permanent means of identification and providing a deterrent for anyone stealing your dog. Microchipping may entitle you to a lower dog registration fee,” Mr Clark said.

“If your dog is found injured and taken to a vet or the SPCA, or Animal Control finds your dog, you can be traced and reunited with your animal. In a disaster or emergency we can reunite you with your dog,” he said.

Dogs can be microchipped at any local vet. You will need to supply Animal Control with the verification certificate as all dogs and owners’ details must be uploaded on to the National Dog Database so if a dog is found anywhere in New Zealand it can be reunited with the registered owner.

Failure to microchip your dog or to notify Animal Control that your dog has been microchipped can result in an infringement notice of $300.

For further information please contact Animal Control. Ph: 03 520 9033 or email animalcontrol@xtra.co.nz