Is Your Pet’s Microchip Registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register?
Posted in: Companion Animals
Microchips are essential for reuniting lost pets with their owners. It’s as simple as placing a chip the size of a grain of rice under their skin – this can be done at any time, but is often carried out at the same time as vaccination or desexing, and it’s quick and easy for your pet.
But here’s the bit a lot of pet owners in South Canterbury miss: a microchip on its own doesn’t do much if it isn’t registered. The chip only stores a number – it’s the registration that links that number to you.
Why Microchip Registration Matters
If your animal goes missing, is injured, or is picked up by someone else, it’s the registration – not the chip itself – that gets them home.
It’s worth noting that a microchip can also be used to operate a microchip-activated cat door or feeder – but that’s a function of the chip itself, not the NZCAR registration.
The Legal Side of Microchipping in NZ
In New Zealand, it’s now law that dogs must be microchipped by the age of three months and registered with your local council. Cat microchipping isn’t compulsory in most regions, but we highly recommend it – especially out here where cats tend to roam a fair distance from home.
How to Check Your Pet’s NZ Companion Animal Register Status
The NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) is the national database that links your pet’s microchip number to your contact details. To check your pet’s current registration status:
1. Head to animalregister.co.nz
2. Enter your pet’s microchip number
3. Confirm whether the details on file are current
If your details have changed – new phone number, new address, new owner – it’s worth updating them on the NZCAR as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Pet Isn’t Registered
If the check comes back showing your pet isn’t registered, or the details are out of date, give your local Aorangi Vets clinic a call and our team can help sort it. If you’re not sure whether your pet has even been chipped, pop in for a quick scan – it takes seconds.
Microchipping at Aorangi Vets
Our teams across Timaru, Geraldine, and Fairlie carry out microchipping and can help confirm your pet’s NZCAR registration status. If you’ve got questions, give us a call – we’re happy to help.
Highfield Timaru: 03 687 9378
Geraldine: 03 693 1163
Fairlie: 03 685 8407
Frequently asked questions:
Is microchipping compulsory for cats in New Zealand?
No – cat microchipping isn’t legally required in most parts of New Zealand, though we recommend it for peace of mind, especially for cats that roam.
How do I check if my pet’s microchip is registered with the NZ Companion Animal Register?
Go to animalregister.co.nz, enter your pet’s microchip number, and the site will confirm the registration status and whether your contact details are current.
What’s the difference between council registration and NZCAR registration?
Council registration (compulsory for dogs) is separate from the NZCAR. Dogs ideally need both – council registration is a legal requirement, while NZCAR registration is a nationwide lost-and-found database used by vets, shelters, and the SPCA.
Can I update my details on the NZ Companion Animal Register myself?
Yes – once you’ve located your pet’s record via the microchip checker, you can update your contact details directly, or give our clinic a call and we can help.
Does registering my pet’s microchip cost anything?
There’s typically a small one-off registration fee, either through the NZCAR directly or via your vet at the time of microchipping.