Update your dog's microchip number

Microchipping is a simple and painless procedure done by your vet or microchipping organisation. It helps identify lost dogs, even if they aren’t wearing their registration tags, by scanning the microchip.

Dog registration and microchipping are separate processes. You need to register your dog every year, but microchipping is done only once. The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin behind the dog’s neck.

Working farm dogs used for herding or driving stock are exempt from microchipping.

If you don’t microchip your dog, you could face a $300 fine and possible prosecution.

Online

Step 1.Gather proof and Dog ID(s)

You will need to provide a vet certificate with a microchip barcode or certified proof from another microchipping organisation.

You will need your Dog ID, which is the animal number shown on your dog registration invoice. The number is in the 'WDC ID' column, next to the dog's name. This will ensure we identify the correct dog(s).

If you have not received your dog registration invoice or are unsure of the Dog ID, please contact us on 09 430 4200 during business hours.

Our business hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays).

Step 2.Complete application

Fill in our online form and upload the required proof.

Update my dog's details form

Step 3.Check and update details

We will check your request and update your dog's details in our system.

Step 4.Receive update

You will receive an update to your request via email.

By email

Step 1.Gather proof and Dog ID(s)

You will need to provide a vet certificate with a microchip barcode or certified proof from another microchipping organisation.

You will need your Dog ID, which is the animal number shown on your dog registration invoice. The number is in the 'WDC ID' column, next to the dog's name. This will ensure we identify the correct dog(s).

If you have not received your dog registration invoice or are unsure of the Dog ID, please contact us on 09 430 4200 during business hours.

Our business hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays).

Step 2.Complete application

Download, print and complete the form.

Update my dog's details form(PDF, 198KB)

Step 3.Email to us

Email your completed form and the required proof to:

Email:  mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

Step 4.Check and update details

We will check your request and update your dog's details in our system.

Step 5.Receive update

You will receive an update to your request via email.

By post

Step 1.Gather proof and Dog ID(s)

You will need to provide a vet certificate with a microchip barcode or certified proof from another microchipping organisation.

You will need your Dog ID, which is the animal number shown on your dog registration invoice. The number is in the 'WDC ID' column, next to the dog's name. This will ensure we identify the correct dog(s).

If you have not received your dog registration invoice or are unsure of the Dog ID, please contact us on 09 430 4200 during business hours.

Our business hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays).

Step 2.Complete application

Download, print and complete the form.

Update my dog's details form(PDF, 198KB)

Step 3.Post to us

Post your completed form and the required proof to:

Whangarei District Council 
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

Step 4.Check and update details

We will check your request and update your dog's details in our system.

Step 5.Receive update

You will receive an update to your request via email.

In-person

Step 1.Gather proof and Dog ID(s)

You will need to provide a vet certificate with a microchip barcode or certified proof from another microchipping organisation.

You will need your Dog ID, which is the animal number shown on your dog registration invoice. The number is in the 'WDC ID' column, next to the dog's name. This will ensure we identify the correct dog(s).

If you have not received your dog registration invoice or are unsure of the Dog ID, please contact us on 09 430 4200 during business hours.

Our business hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays).

Step 2.Complete application

Download, print and complete the form.

Update my dog's details form(PDF, 198KB)

Step 3.Bring into us

Bring your completed form and the required proof into one of our Customer Service Centres:

Te Iwitahi
 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays
Summer holiday closedown: Closed from 4:00pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and reopening at 8:00am on Monday 6 January 2025

Ruakākā service centre 
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays
Summer holiday closedown: Closed from 4:00pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and reopening at 8:30am on Monday 6 January 2025

Service centre at isite
92 Otaika Road, Raumanga
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Step 4.Check and update details

We will check your request and update your dog's details in our system.

Why you need to microchip your dog

New puppies and dogs must be microchipped within two months of their initial registration.

Each microchip is assigned a unique 15-digit number that helps identify your dog through our registration records and the National Dog Database. This number allows retrieval of your contact details.

According to the Dog Control Act 1996, the following dogs are required to be microchipped:

  • dogs registered for the first time
  • dogs classified as menacing or dangerous
  • unregistered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
  • registered dogs impounded twice after 1 July 2006
  • imported dogs with non-compliant microchips according to New Zealand standards.

If you don't microchip your dog

It will be difficult for you to find your dog if it goes missing.

You are committing an infringement offence and may get a fine of $300 – see Schedule 1 of the Dog Control Act 1996.

The court may impose a fine of up to $3,000 if there is a court hearing for the fine.

Report it

Use our online forms to report animal issues, dispute an infringement or object to a dog classification.

Report an issue

Enquiries

You can use our online form for animal enquiries.  

Enquire online

Phone: 09 430 4200

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