Microchipping your dog

Microchipping makes sure dogs can be quickly identified should they go missing, be stolen or be injured.

Responsible Dog Owner (RDO) applications

Applications open
You can apply for RDO status from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024. Find out how to qualify.

Dog being scanned with a microchip scanner.
Microchip scanner

All dogs registered after 1 July 2006, except working dogs, need to be microchipped.

New puppies and dogs

You are legally required to register a puppy by 3 months old and have it implanted with an approved microchip in the following two months.

Please send a copy of the microchip number (for example the microchip certificate from your vet) to dogs@wcc.govt.nz

This requirement was introduced on 1 July 2006. 

Penalities for not microchipping

If you don't have your dog microchipped, you may:

  • receive a warning or infringement fine of $300
  • have your dog seized
  • be prosecuted.

More information

For more information on microchipping, visit:

Dog Control - Department of Internal Affairs