This article is sourced from
http://animalregister.co.nz/microchipsfaq.aspx. We highly recommend your animals are microchipped as they can greatly help you if your
pet is lost.
What does it cost to be in the Register?
There is a one-off registration fee of $15, inclusive of GST. This fee is for the life of the animal. This is paid to your vet at time of implantation/verification along with the cost of the microchip, the cost of the implant and /or the administration fees charged by your vet, spca or implanter. The total cost may vary so ask your vet or implanter for more information and pricing.
My pet is already microchipped, can I still enter my pet in the Companion Animal Register?
Absolutely! Either visit your vet and ask them to complete the forms on your behalf, or call Animal Register Limited on 0800 LOST PET and we can explain the process of registration. You will be required to provide proof of ownership and proof of microchip BEFORE your records will be entered.
My dog is already microchipped and is registered with my local council. Do I still need to register on the New Zealand companion animal register?
Yes you do. The National Database that local councils (Territorial Authorities) use was intended for dog control purposes and was never designed for the retrieval of lost pets. The New Zealand Companion Animal Register is designed specifically to make the recovery of lost pets easier by ensuring that anyone can quickly check to see that your microchip number is on the database and important agencies involved with lost and or injured pets can access the database quickly and efficiently to search for that animal's owners and carers. Importantly the register has been established by organisations deeply interested in Animal Welfare. Funds received from your registration fee will be used and reinvested in projects to help animals particularly in the area of animal welfare.
What are microchips?
Microchips are a small device about the size of a grain of rice. The microchip is implanted in the soft scruff of the neck. The microchip has a unique number that can be read by a special reader, similar to a barcode reader. This number is stored in our register with your contact details.
Does the process hurt?
Placing a microchip is a common procedure and safe for your animal. We strongly recommend that your animal is microchipped by a Vet or someone experienced in the procedure to ensure the microchip is located properly.
If my pet is in the New Zealand Companion Animal Register, do I need to register my dog with my local council?
Definitely. Dog registration with your local council is a completely different thing to our animal repatriation database.
Where can I get my animal microchipped?
Microchipping can be done by any Vet, Vet Clinic, SPCA as well as some breeders and other animal welfare organisations.
Can I microchip my own animal and enter it into the database?
The Companion Animal Register only accepts registrations from approved animal entry officers. These are normally Vet Clinics and SPCA's. Some breeders are also approved officers, but it is not anticipated individual owners will be. Any individual would need to take their animal to an approved officer so the microchip number can be verified and the approved form completed.
What type of animals can I register in the Companion Animal Register?
The register will accept registration of a variety of animals into the database. This may include
Dogs,
Cats,
Birds,
Cows,
Goats,
Horses,
Rabbits,
Guinea Pigs and
Sheep.