Although every Thoroughbred foal must now have a microchip implanted (usually at branding time) not many sport-horses in NZ are chipped.
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and implanted by shaving and sterilising a small square of hair under the mane. This area is used as the dense nature of the nuchal ligament minimizes the chances of the microchip ‘migrating'. The chip is implanted via a syringe and needle and is the same size used on cats and dogs.
Each chip carries a unique 15-digit code. In Thoroughbreds a record of these numbers is kept by NZTR. The City Council does not currently log the chip numbers of horses (only dogs), but you can register your horse's particulars and microchip number in the NZ Companion Animal Register for a cost of $15. This register is checked for owner details if a lost animal is found with a chip implanted.
It has recently been brought to public attention that there are increasing numbers of horses being stolen in New Zealand. While a horse's coat can by dyed or brands modified, a microchip is impossible to alter and exceptionally difficult to remove. In these cases, a recorded microchip number could help to prove that a particular horse is in fact yours. You will be provided with a copy of your horse's number and Totally Vets can also keep a record of it in the vet clinic computer system if you request that we do so.
If you would like to have your horse microchipped, please call or drop in to make an appointment. We can also perform dentals, health checks and update vaccinations at the same time, so you are all ready to go for the new season.
