Microchipping a dog

Legislation came into effect on 1 July 2006 that says dogs must be microchipped within two months of their first registration.

The legislation was brought in to make it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners, as well as to help us keep track of problem dogs and their owners. The microchip provides a secure, life-long identification for your dog.

Dogs that need to be microchipped 

  • Being registered for the first time
  • Impounded and unregistered
  • Impounded a second time since 1 July 2006

By law (since 1 December, 2003) dogs that are classified as dangerous or menacing by action:

  • All of the following breeds: 
    • Brazilian Fila
    • Dogo Argentino
    • Japanese Tosa
    • Pit Bull Terriers or predominantly Pit Bull types
    • Perro de Presa Canario

Exemptions 

Working farm dogs do not need to be microchipped although you may need to prove that this applies to your dog. If your dog is impounded while unregistered, it may be micro chipped.

Who does the microchipping? 

Either a Veterinarian or a Nelson SPCA Officer must perform this procedure, as the microchip has to be verified after implanting and the verification certificate passed onto Council for entering into the National Database.

Failure to microchip 

If your dog is not micro-chipped within two months of its registration, you may be issued a $300 infringement notice.