Information for Prospective Microchip Implanters

this page contains information for people interested in becoming canz-certified microchip implanters

Microchip implantation involves the insertion of a small microchip underneath the skin of an animal, allowing for lifelong identification of that individual. However, to be able to used effectively for identification or repatriation purposes, the microchip number must be registered with a database.

In order to register animals on the NZCAR, an individual / organisation / business must have NZCAR implanter status. The criteria for individuals wishing to apply for NZCAR implanter status are:

  1. A veterinary clinic or a qualified veterinarian.

  2. A diploma (or higher) qualified veterinary nurse.

  3. An implanter who has completed a recognised microchipping course.

  4. An organisation whose member of staff meets the above criteria.

If you meet one of the above four criteria, then please apply directly to NZCAR for implanter status.

We are aware that there are some individuals wishing to obtain microchip implanter status with the NZCAR who fall outside the above four criteria. CANZ will consider approving implanter applications upon written recommendation by a veterinarian, who will certify the implanter's proficiency at the time of a demonstration. At this time there are no approved tertiary ‘courses’ for microchip certification.

Individuals wishing to obtain microchip implanter status who fall outside the above four criteria should follow these steps

  1. Read the Animal Microchip Implantation Best Practice Guide. This can be used as a study guide for those wishing to train to become CANZ-certified microchip implanters.

  2. After familiarising yourself with the Animal Microchip Implantation Best Practice guide, take the Microchip Implanter Assessment. The Microchip Implanter Assessment consists of 10 of multiple-choice questions. You must get 100% on the test in order to become a CANZ-certified microchip implanter. You may take the test multiple times if required to get 100%.

  3. After achieving 100% in the self-assessment test, you should perform microchip implantations under observation of a veterinarian to obtain a recommendation of proficiency from that veterinarian. Please note the following

  • You will need to perform two microchip implantations observed by the veterinarian to obtain a recommendation. These implantations may be performed directly one after the other, or on separate occasions.  

  • Depending upon your level of experience and confidence, you may need to observe microchip implantation with the veterinarian (or other appropriate professional) prior to performing implantation yourself. You should determine what is most appropriate in consultation with your veterinarian.

  • Once you have satisfactorily implanted two microchips under observation by the veterinarian, the veterinarian will then be able to complete the Microchip Implanter Veterinary Certification, stating at the time of the microchip insertion demonstration the implanter was deemed to be competent.

  • CANZ recommends that any veterinarian providing microchip implantation training consult the Best Practice Guide and the associated assessment questions to ensure that they are aware of the knowledge and skill required to support an individual applying for CANZ approval.

  • Please be aware that it is the decision of the individual veterinarian as to whether they are willing to certify a prospective implanter's proficiency and the cost they will charge for this service.

  • Part of the Microchip Implanter Veterinary Certification requires the veterinarian to confirm that you have access to a quality microchip scanner so you are able to scan microchips which you implant in the future. We recommend that you bring your microchip scanner with you to your veterinary observation.

  • Need to buy a microchip scanner? Information about purchasing a microchip scanner, and purchasing microchips, can be found here.

4. Send the completed Microchip Implanter Veterinary Certification to office@animalregister.co.nz.

5. The CANZ manager will assess the Microchip Implanter Veterinary Certification Letter, and check you have obtained 100% in the Microchip Implanter Assessment.

6. Your application will be passed on to the CANZ review committee. The committee review applications on a monthly basis, so there may be several weeks’ delay before you are notified of the outcome of your application.

Please note that individuals who have become CANZ-certified microchip implanters through the process described above must implant and register register a minimum of 20 microchips on the NZCAR per 2 year period in order to maintain their implanter status. For this reason it is important to ensure that you are credited as the implanter on the form when a microchip you implanted is registered on the NZCAR. In the event that the individual implants and registers less than 20 microchips per 2 years, they will need to become re-certified by going through the above process again.

If you have any questions about the above process, please do not hesitate to contact office@animalregister.co.nz.

Important note about databases

There are two main companion animal databases in New Zealand; the National Dog Database (NDD) and the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). The NDD is compulsory and registrations are made by local councils when dog owners pay their council registration fees. Council officers and warranted SPCA staff are the only ones that can access the NDD.

The NZCAR is voluntary database that was set up to help get lost pets home. It is a not for profit register, that supports animal welfare initiatives around New Zealand. Veterinarians and animal rescues endorse registration the NZCAR as part of being a responsible pet guardian.