Microchipping of Animals

Microchip — Means a small computer chip inserted into or under an animal’s skin that:

Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Animal — Has the meaning set forth in section 5-202 of the Code.

Owner — Has the meaning set forth in section 5-101 of the Code.

Division — Means the Animal Services Division of the Department of Police.

Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Animals. The owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal must have a microchip implanted in the animal for identification, unless the Director determines that it is medically inappropriate. The name of the microchip manufacturer and identification number of the microchip must be provided to the Division. Unless otherwise specified by the Director, the microchip must be implanted within 72 hours of the Division determining the animal is dangerous or potentially dangerous and the manufacturer’s name and microchip identification number must be provided to the Division within 48 hours of the insertion of the microchip. If the microchip is not implanted by the owner, the dog may be seized pursuant to section 5-301(c) of the Code and the microchip may be implanted by the Division.

Impounded Animals. Impounded dogs and cats found running at large, and all dogs and cats claimed by their owners pursuant to section 5-304 of the Code, must be implanted with a microchip by the Division prior to the animal being released to the owner.

Adopted Animals. All animals placed for adoption by the Division pursuant to section 5- 304(g) of the Code must be permanently identified with a microchip.

Other Animals. The Director of the Division may order the microchipping of an animal under any other circumstances where, in his judgment, microchipping is in the best interest of the public or the owner of the animal.

Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Animals. The owner is responsible for payment of all costs associated with the purchase, implantation, and registration of a microchip implanted in a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal.

Stray or Lost Animals. In the case of an unlicensed, stray, or lost animal, all costs associated with the purchase, implantation, and registration of a microchip will be borne by the owner and shall be taxed as additional costs and shall be collected prior to the animal being released.

Adopted Animals. Costs associated with microchipping animals to be adopted will be included in costs associated with the adoption process and collected at the time of the adoption.

Other Animals. In all other circumstances where the Director has ordered microchipping the costs associated with the purchase, implantation, and registration of a microchip will be the responsibility of the owner.

A fee of $10.00 shall be charged for the insertion of a microchip by the Division or its contractor. This fee includes the cost of the microchip.