New Zealand’s Microchip Rule: Why It Must Be in Place Before the Rabies Vaccine

TLDR: For New Zealand, the microchip must be implanted before or at the exact same time as the rabies vaccination and titre test. An RNATT or rabies vaccine conducted before a microchip is confirmed in place is entirely invalid. This sequencing rule is stricter than Australia's general microchip requirement and is one of the most consequential order-of-operations mistakes on the New Zealand route. If the sequencing is wrong, the titre test result cannot be used and the process must restart.

Most owners know their pet needs a microchip for international travel. Fewer know that for New Zealand, the order in which the microchip is confirmed relative to the rabies vaccine and titre test is not flexible. Getting the sequence wrong does not just create a documentation problem. It invalidates the titre test entirely.

What Is New Zealand's Microchip Sequencing Rule?

For New Zealand, the microchip must be implanted before or at the exact same time as the rabies vaccination and titre test. This is not a general requirement to have a microchip in place at some point during the preparation process. The microchip must be confirmed before or simultaneously with the rabies vaccine and the RNATT blood draw.

If the rabies vaccination or RNATT blood draw is conducted before the microchip is confirmed in place, the result is entirely invalid. The titre test cannot be used and the process must restart.

How Does This Differ From Australia's Microchip Rule?

Australia also requires an ISO-compliant microchip to be implanted and scanned before any tests, treatments, or vaccines are administered. The general principle is the same: microchip first. However, the New Zealand rule is stated explicitly in terms of the rabies vaccination and titre test sequence, making the sequencing requirement particularly clear and strict for this route.

For both countries, the microchip number must appear on every lab report, vaccination record, and health certificate. A single incorrect digit will halt the import.

What Happens If the Sequence Is Wrong?

If the rabies vaccination or RNATT blood draw is conducted before the microchip is confirmed in place, the vaccination and titre test result are entirely invalid for New Zealand. This is not a paperwork issue that can be corrected after the fact. The titre test cannot be used and the preparation process must restart.

Depending on where the pet is in the preparation timeline, an invalid titre test can mean restarting a process that has already taken months. The 3-month floor on the RNATT sample for New Zealand means the delay is not trivial.

What Does "Confirmed in Place" Mean?

The microchip must be implanted and scannable before or at the exact same time as the rabies vaccination and titre test. A microchip that has been ordered, scheduled, or is otherwise not yet physically implanted and confirmed does not satisfy this requirement.

Before any rabies vaccination or blood draw for the RNATT is scheduled, confirm with your veterinarian that the microchip has been implanted and successfully scanned. Do not proceed with vaccination or blood draw until microchip confirmation is complete.

What Are the ISO Microchip Requirements?

The microchip must be ISO-compliant, either 10 or 15 digits. The exact microchip number must appear on every lab report, vaccination record, and health certificate throughout the entire preparation process. A single incorrect digit on any document will halt the import.

If a pet has two microchips, both numbers must be recorded on all lab reports, health certificates, and import applications, and both must be scanned at every single vet visit.

The microchip sequencing rule is one of the easiest mistakes to make on the New Zealand route because it happens at the very beginning of the process, before most owners are fully across the requirements. If you want help making sure every step is completed in the correct order from the start, our team manages the full process. Get a free quote to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the microchip need to be in place before the rabies vaccine for New Zealand?

Yes. For New Zealand, the microchip must be implanted before or at the exact same time as the rabies vaccination and RNATT blood draw. A rabies vaccine or titre test conducted before the microchip is confirmed in place is entirely invalid and cannot be used.

What happens if the rabies vaccine was given before the microchip was implanted?

The rabies vaccination and any subsequent titre test result are entirely invalid for New Zealand. The titre test cannot be used and the preparation process must restart.

Does this sequencing rule apply to Australia as well?

Australia requires the microchip to be implanted and scanned before any tests, treatments, or vaccines are administered. The general principle is the same for both countries: microchip before everything else. For New Zealand, the rule is stated explicitly in terms of the rabies vaccination and titre test sequence.

What microchip standard does New Zealand require?

The microchip must be ISO-compliant, either 10 or 15 digits. The exact microchip number must appear on every lab report, vaccination record, and health certificate. A single incorrect digit on any document will halt the import.