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Microchipping

​​Microchipping of dogs was introduced on 1 July 2006. This was a Government initiative.

​Generally all dogs must be implanted with a functioning microchip of the prescribed type. A microchip is a reliable way to distinguish your dog for any other dog.

The microchip is a small transponder which is inserted into the scruff of the dogs neck. The procedure is painless and takes only a few seconds to insert. The chip contains unique number that belongs to your dog.

After the Council is advised of a dog's microchip number or has inserted the microchip themselves, they load that number against the dogs record on the Council database, which includes the dog's address and owner details.

The microchip number is uploaded along with the other dog and owner details to the National Dog Database which holds records of all dog registered in New Zealand.

Councils Animal Control Officers carry microchip scanners and can scan a dog to check for a microchip. From there will check all databases to see if that number is recorded in order to contact the owner or return the dog to its home.

Having your dog microchipped and ensuring that the Council has been advised of the number, is the best way to ensure that if your dog is found away from home,  can be reunited as soon as possible.

The National Dog Database was designed so that any Council can scan your dog to find out its dog owners details greatly increasing teh chacne of you and your dog being quickly reunited.  The database also enables Animal Control Officers to keep track of any stray dogs and any menacing and dangerous dogs that move around the country.

Trained officers can insert a microchip into your dog for a small fee. This service is only for dogs registered and reside in the Ashburton District.  Dogs must be registered prior to being microchipped.

​​​Dog already microchipped

​If your dog is microchipped by a provider other than Ashburton District Council, you need to advise Council of the microchip number. Your vet will not do this for you, this is the dog owners responsibility. Where the Council doesn't have the microchip information on our database, it will be more difficult to reunite you with your lost dog.

​​Dogs affected

​Dogs registered for the first time in New Zealand from 1 July 2006.

Dogs that have been impounded. Dogs that have been impounded will be microchipped prior to release.

Dogs that have been classified as menacing or dangerous from 1 December 2003.

​Dogs not needing to be microchipped

Farm working dogs do not need to be microchipped, however owners may still choose​ to have this done. Other types of working dogs (eg Police) must still be microchipped. Download a Working Dog Declaration form

The requirement to microchip is under S36A of the Dog Control Act 1996. For more information visit www.dia.govt.nz

It is an offence not comply with the requirement to have a dog microchipped. $300 infringement may be issued for non compliance.

Three plus dogs permit

You need to apply to the Council for a permit if you want to have more than two dogs in an urban-zoned area of the district. When applying for a permit, you will need:

• A completed application form
• An application fee of $57.00 (It costs $29 to renew your permit thereafter)
• A boundary neighbours agreement
• Good fencing
• Kennelling suitable for the size and number of dogs you own
• No recent history of complaints (e.g. excessive barking, roaming dogs, smells from dogs)

All dogs must be registered and any changes must be notified to Council.

Download a 3+ Dog Permit application form

Learn more in our Dog Control Bylaw

Learn more in our Dog Control Policy

Impounding and infringements

If you see a dog wandering​ or want to make a noise complaint, get in touch with Council right away on
03 307 7700 (​this number is available 24 hours, 7 days a week).

Calls will be dispatched to Animal Control Services and actioned as soon as possible.

Dogs caught wandering will be impounded and the owner charged an impounding fee for release and a sustenance fee for each day the dog is impounded.

If a dog owner fails to comply with Dog Control regulations they may be issued with an infringement notice and fined.

View the schedule of offences and fees

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