EQuiChip® is a community initiative dedicated to improving equine welfare through microchipping and registering horses on the NZ Companion Animal Register for positive identification. Our 2024 series has already successfully hosted events in Taupō and Cambridge, and we are eagerly anticipating the upcoming events.
Founded by Companion Animals New Zealand in 2023 after Cyclone Gabrielle, the first EQuiChip® events were held in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, microchipping over 200 horses. There are so many benefits of equine microchipping and registration, including helping with proof of ownership, the ability to include body temperature measurements and assisting with mitigating biosecurity risks. The process is easy and, similar to a vaccine, the chip is inserted with a needle.
The 2024 series is taking place between May and November in Taupō, Cambridge, Invercargill, West Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, aims to microchip and register 400-500 horses. Events are organised by Companion Animals New Zealand in collaboration with local veterinarians, equine organisations, and volunteers, with support from MSD Animal Health and the New Zealand Equine Health Association.
All attendees receive a Thermochip thanks to MSD Animal Health. A Thermochip works in a horse by being implanted in a ligament in the neck area. This microchip includes a temperature sensor that can accurately measure the horse's temperature. When a compatible scanner is passed over the microchip, it not only reads the horse's unique identification number but also retrieves the temperature data. This allows veterinarians and caretakers to monitor the horse's temperature easily and frequently without causing stress or discomfort. Regular temperature monitoring can help in early detection of illnesses, ensuring prompt and effective treatment while maintaining the horse's overall wellbeing.
Two down - four to go
Already two events have taken place and were a great success! With 65 horses added to our New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), we are so pleased their guardian’s details are now linked to their animal in case they ever get separated.
Our first 2024 EQuiChip® event took place in Taupō on Sunday 26 May. What an amazing community event with many volunteers pitching in to get 33 horses microchipped and registered on the NZCAR. A big thank you to our local support there - the Vets from Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Taupō, Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre Taupō and Taupō Equestrian Supplies.
In Cambridge, we successfully microchipped 28 horses and registered 32 on the day to our NZ Companion Animal Register (with some already chipped). Big thanks to our local supporters Cambridge Equine Hospital, CambridgeRaceway, Shoof International and Garrards Horse and Hound.
With four more still to go, we can’t wait to help more communities get behind positive horse identification.
“The process was so much quicker and easier than I thought! Now I have peace of mind that we could be reunited far quicker if we ever become separated.”
EQuiChip® Cambridge
EQuiChip® Taupō
