EQuiChip® 2024 Events

EQuiChip® is a community event designed to improve the welfare of horses in New Zealand through positive identification.

In the 2024 series, we hope to microchip and register between 400 and 500 horses across the six events, involving the local equine community and vet clinics - making them very community-driven events.

There are so many benefits of equine microchipping and registration - which you can read at the bottom of this page - including mitigating biosecurity risks, helping with proof of ownership and the ability to include body temperature measurements. The process is easy and, similar to a vaccine, the chip is inserted with a needle. No sedation is required in most cases.

How AN EQUICHIP® EVENT works

Events will typically take place on a Saturday or Sunday between 8:30am to 4:00pm (each event will have time specified). Companion Animals New Zealand will manage each event, working closely with local veterinarians, equine organisations (riding clubs, pony clubs and therapeutic riding groups), larger equine venues and a broad volunteer base.

The cost is $15 for one horse which includes microchip and registration on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register ($20 for second as places are limited. We are currently limiting bookings to two horses per household with the potential for a waitlist).

These events wouldn't be possible at such low costs without generous sponsorship and local Vet time, who we are very grateful to and outline below the bookings links.

Book via the links below

Can’t attend one of the event dates above? Why not organise your own EQuiChip® event?

Email welfare@companionanimals.nz to find out more.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Why microchip and register on our national database?

Equine microchipping is fundamental in identifying and protecting the NZ horse population. Registration on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) means your horse is on a national microchip number database and Approved users can access the guardian details for a horse with a microchip quickly. Registration is a one-time payment and lasts a lifetime.

• Assists with proof of identity / ownership: This is particularly important in the case of a national disaster, weather event, biosecurity threat (disease tracking), theft and/or lease. Equine microchips last a lifetime. They do not migrate in horses and cannot be removed. Registering a horse is an important component in helping to prove ownership (but not sole proof) for insurance company policies and Breed Associations. A microchip also helps rescue organisations to keep track on horses they have placed in foster care.

• Chips are easily scanned: the chips be easily read by scanners carried by most vets and animal control officers. If an unknown horse needs urgent medical attention, a microchip will identify the owner rapidly and the vet is able to make contact.

• Mitigating biosecurity risks: NZ has approximately 100-130k horses, of which about 70k are likely to be leisure/local/national competition horses. Horses are moved about, change homes and mingle at shows which can present a biosecurity risk if not traceable.

• Body temperature measurements: With Thermochips we have the ability to measure a horse’s temperature at the chip implantation site – it’s an easy, safe and quick alternative to rectal temperature measurements. Our generous sponsor MSD Animal Health is helping to provide these Thermochips for the 2024 events.