Desexing and microchipping
Desexing and microchipping your pet helps keep them healthy, safe and easier to identify if they go missing.
Desexing your pet
Desexing is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible pet owner. It helps prevent unwanted litters, improves the health and wellbeing of your pet, and reduces the number of animals needing rescue and rehoming.
On Waiheke Island, uncontrolled breeding—particularly among cats—has contributed to a growing population of stray and feral animals. Too many kittens are born without the safety, care and security of a loving home, leaving them vulnerable to hunger, disease and injury.
Stray and feral cats also have a significant impact on Waiheke's unique environment. They pose a serious threat to native birds, lizards and other wildlife, placing additional pressure on our island's precious ecosystems.
By desexing your pet, you're helping to prevent animal suffering, protect our native wildlife, and ensure every pet has the best opportunity for a healthy, cared-for life. If you have recently welcomed a new pet into your family, make desexing one of your first priorities.
Microchipping your pet
A microchip is a permanent form of identification that greatly increases the chances of a lost pet being reunited with its owner. Unlike a collar or tag, a microchip can't be lost or removed and provides a reliable way to identify your pet if they become separated from you.
WISCA encourages all pet owners to have their cats and dogs microchipped and to keep their contact details up to date on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). Microchipping is a simple, safe procedure that provides peace of mind and helps ensure your beloved companion can find their way home.
Keep your details up to date
A microchip is only effective if your contact information is current. If you move house, change your phone number or update your email address, remember to update your details on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). Keeping your information up to date gives your pet the best chance of being quickly reunited with you if they ever become lost.
Our microchipping and desexing funding programmes
Free microchipping
We can microchip and register your pet for free through a grant from the Companion Animal Trust.
We can also update your pet’s details on the register for free, and our animal advocate can microchip your cat in the comfort of their own home.
Email or call our animal advocate to book an appointment.
Desexing
We understand that some pet owners cannot cover the full costs to desex pets.
Part of our commitment to the Waiheke community is to help every pet owner be responsible.
Get in touch If you genuinely cannot afford to get your pet desexed or microchipped. We can offer financial help on a case-by-case basis.
We are grateful to both SPCA and Auckland Council Local Board for their generous grants.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for free desexing promotions.
