Battle Creek, MI Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

The microchip duty sits in Section 608.14(d) of the Battle Creek Codified Ordinances, which lists everything an owner must complete to redeem an animal from impound in the City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. The microchip comes first, and its implantation cost falls into the payment-in-full requirement for all costs while impounded, alongside sterilization and the entire cost of care. The owner also needs proof of ownership, which can be a current valid license, veterinary records, or proof of purchase or adoption, plus proof of current valid license and immunizations where local or State law requires them. Under subsection (e), an owner who has not completed every requirement within seven days loses the animal: it is deemed abandoned and forfeited.

Chips also attach to the dangerous-animal process. Section 608.29(d)(7) requires every animal classified as dangerous to be chipped at the owner's expense by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, with the microchip number given to Animal Control in writing within seven days of placement. The chip goes in the area the veterinarian recommends for the type of animal. Section 608.23(e)(1) lets the court order a chip for an animal adjudicated dangerous, again with the number delivered to Animal Control in writing within seven days of insertion.

Licensing connects here too. The City Treasurer's dog and cat license application under Section 608.17(a) asks whether the animal has a microchip, and the ferret license application under Section 608.25(a) asks the same question. Animal Control Officers work under the Chief of Police, and the Police Department receives the microchip numbers.