The Dog Control Act requires all new dogs to be microchipped within two months of being registered with Council.
Microchipping is a one-off procedure for your dog that involves a microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, being implanted under the skin behind the dog’s neck.
Vets and other qualified microchip implanters can perform the procedure and the cost to do so may vary; it's best to check the cost with your vet who can also advise of any risks appropriate to your dog.
The 15-digit unique number assigned to the microchip is recorded in your dog’s registration records and will help make it easier for us to reunite lost dogs with their owners. It also helps us to identify menacing and dangerous dogs in the community.
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the following dogs must be microchipped:
- Dogs registered for the first time
- Dogs classified as menacing or dangerous
- Unregistered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
- Registered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
- Imported dogs with microchip that does not comply with New Zealand standards.
Exemptions
Working farm dogs mainly used for driving or herding stock do not have to be microchipped, unless the dog has:
- Been classified as menacing or dangerous, or
- Has been impounded when unregistered, or
- Has been impounded twice after 1 July 2006.
When your dog has been microchipped it's important you advise Council of your dog’s microchip number. You can email a copy of your microchip certificate with your name and address (or owner and dog numbers if known) to dogs@horowhenua.govt.nz or bring it in to one of our Council Offices. Find your nearest Council Office on our Visiting Us page.
The Dog Control Act requires all new dogs to be microchipped within two months of being registered with Council.
Microchipping is a one-off procedure for your dog that involves a microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, being implanted under the skin behind the dog’s neck.
Vets and other qualified microchip implanters can perform the procedure and the cost to do so may vary; it's best to check the cost with your vet who can also advise of any risks appropriate to your dog.
The 15-digit unique number assigned to the microchip is recorded in your dog’s registration records and will help make it easier for us to reunite lost dogs with their owners. It also helps us to identify menacing and dangerous dogs in the community.
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the following dogs must be microchipped:
- Dogs registered for the first time
- Dogs classified as menacing or dangerous
- Unregistered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
- Registered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
- Imported dogs with microchip that does not comply with New Zealand standards.
Working farm dogs mainly used for driving or herding stock do not have to be microchipped, unless the dog has:
- Been classified as menacing or dangerous, or
- Has been impounded when unregistered, or
- Has been impounded twice after 1 July 2006.
When your dog has been microchipped it's important you advise Council of your dog’s microchip number. You can email a copy of your microchip certificate with your name and address (or owner and dog numbers if known) to dogs@horowhenua.govt.nz or bring it in to one of our Council Offices. Find your nearest Council Office on our Visiting Us page.
If you are a NZ Kennel Association member or you train racing greyhounds, you can register with Council and gain a reduction on your dog registration fees. To register, please download and complete the notification form below.
NZ Kennel Club Application(PDF, 805KB)
NZ Racing Greyhound Stable Application(PDF, 798KB)
If you believe that you are a responsible dog owner, check if you qualify to be a Selected Owner and gain a reduction on your dog registration fees. Download the application form available below, complete the details and submit it to Council.
Selected Owner Status Application(PDF, 796KB)
If someone is caught with an unregistered dog there is an instant fine, plus a penalty fee to register the dog. The owner of the dog has 28 days to pay the fine. A reminder notice is then sent and a further 28 days is given. If no payment is made, court action will be taken.