The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

short-coated brown puppy on white floor

If you’re a pet owner in New Zealand, you know that taking proper care of your pet is a top priority. On top of regular health check-ups and routine vaccinations, microchipping your pet can be an important part of keeping your furry friend safe. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of microchipping, why it’s important in New Zealand, and the process of getting your pet microchipped.

What is Microchipping?

Microchipping is a safe and simple procedure done by a veterinarian. It involves inserting a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, just under your pet’s skin. The chip contains a unique identifier linked to your pet’s information, which can be used to identify your animal in the event that it gets lost or stolen.

Advantages of Microchipping

There are several advantages to microchipping your pet. Here are just a few of them:

  • It’s quick, safe, and easy. The microchipping process is fast and painless, and it can provide your pet with lifelong peace of mind.
  • It’s a reliable form of identification. Microchips are permanent, which means they offer a reliable way to identify your pet if they get lost or stolen.

Why is Microchipping Important in New Zealand?

Microchipping has become increasingly important in New Zealand over the past few years, due to the increasing number of lost and stolen pets. Thanks to technology such as microchipping, owners of lost pets have a better chance at being reunited with their furry companions.

In addition, microchipping is now a legal requirement in New Zealand for all pet owners. As of July 1, 2019, all cats and dogs must be microchipped in order to be registered with a local council. This means that if your pet is not microchipped, you may be unable to register it and you may face fines or other legal penalties.

How to Get Your Pet Microchipped

Getting your pet microchipped is a simple process that can be done by your local veterinarian. It typically takes only a few minutes and it’s generally painless for your pet.

  • The first step is to make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will be able to answer any questions you have about the process and help you get your pet registered.
  • At the appointment, your vet will insert a microchip just under your pet’s skin. The chip will contain a unique identifier, which will be linked to your pet’s information.
  • Finally, your vet will provide you with a certificate of registration for your pet. This certificate should include the microchip number, which you can use to update or check your pet’s information in the future.

Conclusion

Microchipping your pet is a safe, easy, and important step you can take to ensure the safety of your furry companion. It is now a legal requirement in New Zealand for all pet owners, and it can provide a reliable way to identify a lost or stolen pet. Getting your pet microchipped is a quick and painless process that can be done by most veterinarians, and it is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.