Equine Microchipping & Registration
Horses are frequently leased or grazed away from their home property. Reliable identification is essential for their safety and proper care.
While a significant number of horses, especially retired thoroughbreds, and a growing number of sport horses, may already have a microchip and be on a breed or competition horse database, a crucial step in identification is storing owner (‘guardian’) contact details in a place that is secure but widely accessible.
The NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) is New Zealand’s microchip database for lost and found animals. It is accessible by over 950 ‘Approved Users’, such as Veterinary clinics, SPCA, Animal Control Officers. These approved users can scan for a microchip and search the number on the NZCAR to access the guardian contact details.
If a lost horse is found, having a microchip number and guardian details registered on the NZCAR significantly increases the chance of a happy reunion.
Horse identification is vital because horses can go missing not only in emergencies but also during everyday situations, such as getting spooked and running through fences, making it essential to have their details linked to their guardian's information.
We encourage veterinarians to recommend microchipping and registration to their equine clients. Horse-side NZCAR registration is possible in less than 60 seconds.
Are you an equine veterinarian and want to know more or set up an NZCAR account?
EQuiChip® Community Events
Companion Animals NZ (CANZ) created EQuiChip® events as a framework for equine communities to organise microchipping events for local riders.
EQuiChip® helps safeguard equine welfare and share evidence-based information to ensure a Good Life for Horses.
Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 highlighted the importance of reliable horse identification, as many were displaced by floodwaters. Permanent identification through microchipping and registration on a national database accessible to emergency services is essential. This system aids reunification during disasters, tracks lost or stolen horses, and can provide important health and welfare updates to owners.
Building a database of equine guardians will foster a community of responsible horse owners. In the future, these individuals may contribute to research that supports best practices in horse care, management, and training.
Previous EQuiChip® events
In 2023, four EQuiChip® events in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa successfully microchipped and registered over 200 horses. In 2024, CANZ organised another four events in Taupo, Cambridge, Auckland and Wellington, where 117 horses were microchipped and 127 horses were registered.
Watch the video below regarding the benefits of microchipping and registration of horses.
Interested in an EQuiChip® event for your local community? Contact our friendly team and we will get you underway
Video: Why microchipping and registration is important