Veterinarians welcome a new microchip database for lost pets

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has welcomed the launch of the New Zealand Companion Animal Register, a user-friendly identification and retrieval system for all microchipped companion animals resident in New Zealand.

"Veterinarians and SPCA Inspectors will now have 24-hour access to a database that will assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners," says Dr Ross Blanks, Veterinary Association spokesperson on urban animal management.

"So long as the animal has been microchipped and recorded on the database, the veterinarian or the SPCA can retrieve information from the database at any time of the day or night."

The register is operated under a trust whose principal stakeholders are the New Zealand Companion Animal Council, NZVA, New Zealand Kennel Club, New Zealand Cat Fancy, NZVA Companion Animal Society and the SPCA.

The new register supplements the National Dog Database (NDB) set up by the Department of Internal Affairs last year, when compulsory microchipping was introduced.

"The NDB records only dogs and its main purpose is dog control," says Dr Blanks. "Any animal - cat, dog, bird, horse, rabbit or other pet - can be recorded in the Companion Animal Register."

Dr Blanks says the microchipping of cats will significantly reduce the numbers of previously-cared-for stray cats that have placed a huge burden on SPCA rehoming shelters.

"Now a microchipped cat could be back at home before their owner realises they have gone," he says. "Pet owners should talk to their veterinarian if they want to have their pet microchipped and registered."

Profits derived from the register will be allocated on application, and at the discretion of the Trustees, to projects that will provide ongoing welfare services to companion animals throughout New Zealand.

The register can be viewed at www.animalregister.co.nz

ENDS