Augusta-Richmond County, GA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Microchip needed for dangerous/vicious dog registration
- Citation
- Code Section 4-1-9(b)(3)
- Fee
- $15 microchipping fee at Animal Services
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor for classified-dog violations
- Guard dogs
- Also required before placing guard dogs
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County requires microchipping before a dangerous or vicious dog can be issued a certificate of registration, plus warning signs and a secure enclosure under the county's dangerous dog law.
A microchip containing an identification number and capable of being scanned has been injected under the skin between the shoulder blades of the dangerous or vicious dog;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Before Animal Services will issue a certificate of registration for a dog classified as dangerous or vicious, County Code Section 4-1-9(b) requires the owner to have a microchip with a scannable ID number injected between the dog's shoulder blades, in addition to a secure enclosure and posted warning signs. The county separately requires guard or protection dog owners to microchip register their dogs and give the number to Animal Services before placing the dog on the property, under Section 4-1-36(k)(1)(c). There is no blanket microchipping mandate for ordinary pets kept in Augusta-Richmond County, Blythe, or Hephzibah.
Violations & Fines
Owning an unregistered dangerous or vicious dog without a certificate of registration, or failing to meet the microchip, enclosure, and signage requirements, is a misdemeanor and blocks certificate issuance until the owner complies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Augusta-Richmond County require microchipping for all pet dogs?
Where is the microchip placed on a dangerous dog?
What does microchipping cost through Augusta-Richmond County Animal Services?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
Compare Augusta-Richmond County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.