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Albany, OR Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Albany Municipal Code § 6.18.040(6)
Who must microchip
Owner of a potentially dangerous dog
Chip must record
Classification status and Albany Police Department case number
Report chip number to
The Director, as printed in the section
Appeal window on classification
15 days from notice or actual knowledge
Maximum misdemeanor penalty
Fine up to $2,500 or up to one year
Classification can be lifted
After two years, or one year after training

Summary

In the City of Albany, Oregon, the owner of a dog classified as potentially dangerous must have a microchip implanted that records the dog's classification status and the Albany Police Department case number, then give the chip number to the Director. Albany Municipal Code § 6.18.040(6) puts this duty on owners of classified dogs, not on every dog.

In addition to complying with all other requirements of this chapter, the owner of a potentially dangerous dog shall: ... (6) Have a microchip implanted in the dog which includes its classification status and the applicable Albany Police Department case number and provide the microchip identification information number to the Director. (7) Keep the dog licensed by the applicable licensing authority.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The microchip duty sits in Chapter 6.18 (Dangerous Dogs) of the Albany Municipal Code, adopted by the Albany City Council for the City of Albany, Oregon, in Linn County. It is one of the duties listed in § 6.18.040, and every one of them falls on the owner of a potentially dangerous dog. The chip must carry two items: the dog's classification status and the applicable Albany Police Department case number. The owner then provides the microchip identification information number to the Director, the person the Council appoints to administer the chapter. Subsection (7) sits next to it and requires the owner to keep the dog licensed by the applicable licensing authority. A printed note adds that rabies vaccination is required in order to maintain license status.

A dog reaches the potentially dangerous tier under § 6.18.020(1) in two ways. While at large, it bites any domestic animal on more than two occasions within a single 24-month period, or, while at large, it bites a human being or seriously injures any domestic animal. The Director decides after an investigation and gives the owner written notice by certified mail or personal service. An owner who denies that the behavior occurred has 15 days to file a written request for a hearing with the Director. Under § 6.18.030(4), the owner must comply with the restrictions in the notice until the Director's decision is reversed on appeal, so the chip requirement starts with the notice and not with the end of any appeal.

The rest of § 6.18.040 travels with the chip. The dog stays on a leash not to exceed 10 feet off the premises, wears a City-issued tag, and is posted with a warning sign supplied by the Director. The owner pays an annual fee (the printed section leaves the amount as [_____]) and notifies the Director by certified mail within 10 days of any change of where the dog is kept. Subsection (8) applies all of it to any person to whom ownership is transferred. Under subsection (9), an owner can apply to remove the classification after at least two years from the original classification, or one year after completing training aimed at the behavior.

Violations & Fines

Under § 6.18.060, violating any provision of Chapter 6.18 is punishable under AMC § 1.04.010. A violation carries a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. A misdemeanor carries a fine of not more than $2,500 or imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both. Every day, or portion thereof, is a separate offense. The Municipal Court Judge can also order the dog euthanized when an owner who was notified of the classification has failed to comply with any requirement of the chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every dog in the City of Albany, Oregon have to be microchipped?
The only microchip requirement in the Albany Municipal Code text read for this page is § 6.18.040(6), and it applies to owners of dogs classified as potentially dangerous. A dog with no classification is not covered by it. Dogs found dangerous face a different path under § 6.18.050, which calls for euthanasia unless an alternative order is adopted.
What information must the chip hold?
Section 6.18.040(6) requires the chip to include the dog's classification status and the applicable Albany Police Department case number. The owner must also provide the microchip identification information number to the Director. The section does not name a chip brand or a veterinarian, so the obligation is met by implanting a chip with those two items and reporting its number.
When does the microchip duty begin?
It begins once the owner receives the Director's notice of classification. Section 6.18.030(4) says the owner shall comply with the restrictions specified in the notice until the Director's decision is reversed on appeal. An owner who denies the behavior has 15 days from mailing, personal service, or actual knowledge to file a written hearing request with the Director.
Does the chip rule follow the dog to a new owner?
Yes. Section 6.18.040(8) states that the requirements of the section apply to any person to whom ownership of a potentially dangerous dog is transferred. The new owner takes on the chip, tag, fee, leash, sign, and licensing duties, along with the notice duty to tell the Director within 10 days where the dog is kept.
Can a potentially dangerous classification be removed?
Yes, under § 6.18.040(9), after at least two years from the original classification or one year following completion of training aimed at the behavior. The application needs a written statement and a fee set by the City Council. The classification comes off only on clear and convincing evidence the dog is unlikely to offend again.

Sources & Official References

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