Has your pet's microchip registration been updated lately? With Christmas celebrations, summer heat, and New Year's fireworks just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make sure your furry family member can find their way home if the unexpected happens.
Here at Normanby Road Vet Clinic in Auckland, we see far too many lost pets during the holiday season. The good news? A current microchip registration and visible ID tag are simple steps that dramatically increase the chances of a happy reunion.
The festive season brings wonderful celebrations, but it also creates the perfect storm for pets to slip away. Doors open frequently as guests arrive and depart. Unfamiliar visitors may accidentally let your pet outside. Loud fireworks and summer storms can frighten even the calmest animal into bolting.
Add in the excitement of travel, boarding, or staying with friends, and your pet may find themselves in unfamiliar territory. When they're scared or disoriented, even well-trained pets can wander far from home.
A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that sits just under your pet's skin. It contains a unique identification number linked to your contact details on your local pet registry.
Here's why it matters: Collars can slip off or be removed, but a microchip is permanent. When a lost pet is brought to a vet clinic, council facility, or animal shelter, the first thing staff do is scan for a microchip. Within seconds, they can access your phone number and arrange a reunion.
Research shows that microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be returned home. But here's the catch: the microchip is only useful if your registration details are current.
When did you last check your pet's microchip registration? If you've moved house, changed your phone number, or updated your email address, those details need to be reflected on the register.
Log into your pet registry and verify that:
Top tip: Save a digital copy of your pet's microchip number and registration details on your phone. If your pet goes missing while you're away from home, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.
While microchips are brilliant for permanent identification, a visible ID tag on your pet's collar is your first line of defence. If a neighbour or passerby finds your pet, they can call you immediately without needing to visit a vet or shelter.
Make sure the tag includes:
Check that the tag is securely attached and still legible. Summer sun and swimming can fade ink over time, so replace worn tags before the holidays begin.
Cats are masters of escape, especially when stressed. Even indoor-only cats should be microchipped and wear a collar with ID. A quick-release collar is safest to prevent snagging.
Summer brings its own challenges for pet safety. Plan ahead for hot weather and loud celebrations:
Holiday plans can shift at the last minute. Keep a backup option and current records so you can switch boarding facilities or sitters if needed:
Maintain vaccinations and parasite control: Most boarding facilities and professional sitters require proof of current vaccinations. Keeping these up to date means you won't be caught out if plans change suddenly.
Save a digital care plan: Create a simple document on your phone with your pet's feeding schedule, medications, vet contact details, and any behavioural notes. Share it with anyone caring for your pet.
Double-check microchip and ID details: As mentioned earlier, make sure everything is current before you travel or board your pet.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes pets do go missing. Act quickly:
Not sure if your pet's microchip is registered correctly or whether their ID tag is still doing its job? Tell us about your pet and we'll check everything is in order. We can scan your pet's microchip during a quick visit to confirm it's working properly and that your details are current on the register.
Christmas is a joyful time, and your pet deserves to enjoy it safely. Book a quick pre-holiday check at Normanby Road Vet Clinic and we'll verify that vaccinations are current, check your pet's microchip, and answer any questions you have about keeping them safe and happy this festive season.
For more advice or if you have any questions, give our friendly team at Normanby Road Vet Clinic a call on 09 638 8445 or visit us at 49 Normanby Road
Auckland 1024
Auckland
New Zealand
. We're here to help you and your pet have a wonderful, worry-free Christmas.
A microchip contains a unique ID number linked to your contact details. When vets, shelters, or councils scan it, they can call you immediately to arrange a reunion.
Update your current phone number, email address, home address, and emergency contact details. Outdated information means you won't be contacted if your pet is found.
Yes. Indoor cats can escape during holiday chaos when doors open frequently. A microchip and quick-release collar with ID tag ensure they can be returned home safely.
Walk during cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening. Avoid the hottest hours between 10am and 4pm to prevent heatstroke and burnt paws.
Create a quiet indoor space with curtains closed, calming music, and favourite toys. Ask your vet about anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or medications, and trial them early.
Search your immediate area first. Contact local vets and shelters with your pet's description and microchip number. Post on social media lost pet groups and update your microchip registration.
Include your pet's name, your current mobile number, and an alternate contact if possible. Replace faded tags before the holidays.
Yes. Your vet can scan the microchip to confirm it's readable and help verify your contact details are current on the registry.
Doors open frequently for guests, unfamiliar visitors may let pets out, and fireworks or storms frighten animals. Travel and unfamiliar environments also increase escape risks.
Yes. Having your pet's microchip number and registration details saved means you can quickly contact registries, vets, and shelters if your pet goes missing away from home.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your pet's individual needs.
If you have an Emergency with your pet during our closed hours please see under Services page for a list Emergency clinics in Auckland:
ARC 8 Hereford St Ponsonby 09 281 5815 or ARC 224 Albany Highway 09 281 5815
VSA 133 Central Park Dr, Henderson 09 320 5645 or Mt Wellington, Corner Hotunui Drive & Te Apunga Place, Sylvia Park, off Carbine Rd 09 320 5645
Western After Hours Vet Clinic Rosebank Rd, Avondale (09) 820 7273
North Shore Veterinary Ellis Road, Glenfield (09) 443-5640
Manukau After Hours Veterinary 15 Jack Conway Ave, Manukau (09) 277 8383
Please do not go to the emergency clinic if it is not urgent/life threatening. (Runny eyes/nose, coughing, limping, itching etc can wait until the morning to be seen by our day vet)
If you are very worried or unsure if you are dealing with an emergency about your pet after clinic hours and you are a client with us you can reach Dr Chris on his emergency phone until 10pm or again from 7am each day.
Dr Chris Laurenson - 027 544 4427
Normanby Road Vet Clinic offers a range of friendly and professional vet services for cats, dogs and other animals. From vaccinations to microchipping and even surgeries, we can help your pets remain happy and healthy. Our clinic is easily accessible from all areas of Auckland.
