Implanter

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

We are aware that there are some individuals wishing to obtain microchip implanter status with the NZCAR who fall outside those who automatically qualify. 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. 

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Automatically qualified Implanters

In order to implant microchips and 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 criteria, then please apply directly to NZCAR for implanter status:

• If you qualify via the 1st criteria, please send this completed Vet Implanter Application Form to [email protected].
• If you qualify via the 2nd criteria, please send this completed Implanter Application Form along with a copy of your qualification to [email protected].
• If you qualify via the 4th criteria, please send this completed Implanter Application Form along with details of your staff member that meets the criteria. Include their position within your organisation and either:
  • • name of your Veterinarian OR
    • copy of your Veterinary Nurses qualification

Send to to [email protected].

A Ministry of Justice check and Financial (trade) reference may also be required.

Once all information has been received, your full application will be reviewed and references (as applicable) contacted. 

*At this time there are no approved tertiary ‘courses’ for microchip certification.

Prospective Microchip Implanters

Individuals wishing to obtain microchip implanter status who fall outside the above four criteria and wish to become a CANZ-Certified microchip implanter, should:

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 for cats, dogs and rabbits only. Please do not continue with this process if you wish to implant for any other species* You can also watch our video guide below.

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 on 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, can be found here.

4. Send the completed Microchip Implanter Veterinary Certification, along with your Implanter Application form to [email protected].

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

6. A Ministry of Justice check and Financial (trade) reference may also be required.

7. Your full application will then be reviewed and references contacted. Applications are under the ultimate oversight of the Companion Animals NZ Board. 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 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 when creating a registration on the NZCAR for a microchip you implanted. 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.

*Companion Animals NZ fully supports microchipping of all companion animals. However, implantation technique varies between species. Therefore, to ensure the procedure is carried out proficiently for all, our current certification process is only applicable for cats, dogs and rabbits.

If you have any questions about the above process, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].

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 are the only ones that can access the NDD.

The NZCAR is a 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 on the NZCAR as part of being a responsible pet guardian.