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Microchipping

Animal Ordinances

Mandates that dogs and cats be microchipped before leaving a shelter or by a certain age, including registration and tag requirements.

3% permissive58% moderate2% strict(439 locations)

How Microchipping Rules Differ by Place

439 places covered10 strict254 moderate12 permissive

Chino Hills, CA: Chino Hills Mandatory Dog Microchipping

Heavy Restrictions

Every dog over four months old in Chino Hills must carry an implanted identifying microchip under Municipal Code Section 6.08.160, and compliance is a prerequisite to getting the dog…

Lynwood, CA: Lynwood Mandatory Pet Microchipping Law

Heavy Restrictions

In the City of Lynwood, every dog and cat over four months old must carry an implanted identifying microchip under Lynwood Municipal Code § 8-1.35(c). The animal control agency tracks…

Solano County, CA: Solano County Shelter Pet Microchip Rule

Heavy Restrictions

Every dog and cat adopted, released, redeemed or rescued from the Solano County Animal Shelter must be implanted with a microchip before leaving, and the owner is responsible for…

Maricopa, AZ: Maricopa Dog Microchipping Not Required

Few Restrictions

Maricopa's adopted animal control ordinance does not require dogs to be microchipped; owners must instead attach a valid license tag to a collar or harness, though the city offers…

Folsom, CA: Folsom Animal Shelter Microchip Scan Rule

Few Restrictions

Folsom does not require pet owners to microchip their animals; the only microchip rule in the municipal code is a shelter duty. Section 7.10.040(D) requires the animal shelter to scan…

Lancaster, CA: Lancaster Does Not Require Dog Microchipping

Few Restrictions

Unlike unincorporated Los Angeles County, Lancaster has opted its dog owners out of the county's microchip mandate: Municipal Code Section 6.04.030 expressly declares the county…

Other Animal Ordinances Topics

Chickens & Livestock

Combined rules for keeping chickens and other livestock such as goats, rabbits, and ducks on residential property, including lot size requirements.

Dog Leash Laws

When and where dogs must be on a leash, off-leash park rules, leash length limits, and penalties for dogs running loose.

Breed Restrictions

Bans or special requirements for specific dog breeds, including breed-specific legislation, muzzle requirements, and insurance mandates.

Beekeeping

Rules for keeping bees in residential areas, including hive placement, number of colonies allowed, and registration requirements.

Exotic Pets

Which non-traditional pets are allowed or banned, such as reptiles, ferrets, potbelly pigs, and other exotic animals.

Wildlife Feeding

Rules about feeding wild animals like deer, coyotes, or feral cats, and requirements for securing trash to prevent wildlife encounters.

Pet Limits

Maximum number of cats, dogs, or other companion animals allowed per household, including counts that trigger kennel-license requirements.

Cat Rules

Rules specific to cats, outdoor roaming, feral cat colonies, leash laws (yes, some cities require them), and licensing requirements.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Requirements that dogs and cats over a certain age be sterilized, with intact-animal permits, exemptions for breeders, and penalties for noncompliance.

Coyote Management

How your city handles urban coyotes, including hazing protocols, feeding bans, and what residents should do when sighting one near homes.

Pet Store Rules

Restrictions on retail pet sales, including bans on commercially bred dogs and cats and rescue-only sourcing requirements.

Pet Groomer Rules

Health and safety standards for commercial pet grooming, including animal-handling certifications, sanitation, and zoning where mobile groomers may operate.

Veterinary Clinic Zoning

Where veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency animal-care facilities may be located, including overnight-boarding and noise buffers.

Bird Protection

Local rules protecting specific bird species (LAMC §53.55), including penalties for trapping or harming protected species and bird-safe building design.

Wildlife Rescue Permits

CDFW and city permits required to rehabilitate injured wildlife, including the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit program and approved holding facilities.