Microchipping

Microchipping your Dog

Microchipping is a permanent way of identifying a dog. Wearing a microchip means a dog can be linked back to its owner if it's lost or stolen. Micro-chips are the size of a grain of rice and are implanted into a dog's back, between its shoulder blades by a qualified person.

The following dogs MUST BE microchipped:

• ALL new dogs (excluding working dogs)
• ALL dogs that are classified as dangerous or menacing
• ANY unregistered dog that has been impounded
• ANY registered dog that is impounded for a second time.

Working dogs are exempt from the microchipping requirement.

You can arrange for your dog to be microchipped at your local vet or by contacting Council to make an appointment with one of our Animal Control Officers at our Rosebank office in Balclutha or at one of our Community Libraries in Balclutha, Milton, Owaka, Tapanui or Lawrence.

Microchipping is a requirement for all of the above-listed dogs (excluding working dogs) that are registered after 1 July 2006. When your dog has been microchipped, please let us know so that we can update our records.

Your vet may offer to register your dog's microchip against the Companion Dog Register. This is a different register to the National Dog Register that Council uses, so you will still need to notify Council once your dog is microchipped (even if it is also placed on the Companion Dog Register).