Skagit County, WA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must microchip
- Owners of declared PD/dangerous dogs only
- Requirement
- Permanent microchip identification implant
- Penalty (PD dog)
- Up to $1,000 fine, 90 days jail
- Penalty (dangerous dog)
- Up to $5,000 fine, 364 days jail
- Also required
- Warning sign, secure confinement, red collar
- Enforcing agency
- Skagit County Sheriff / Animal Control
Summary
Skagit County does not require microchips for ordinary pets, but SCC 7.06.025 makes a permanent microchip implant mandatory for any dog the county has declared potentially dangerous or dangerous, on top of warning signs, secure confinement and, for dangerous dogs, a $250,000 bond or insurance policy.
(1) A potentially dangerous dog owner must: ... (e) Ensure the dog has a permanent microchip identification implant. ... (2) A dangerous dog owner must: ... (e) Ensure the dog has a permanent microchip identification implant; and
Full Breakdown
06, not to pets generally. 025(2)(e) imposes the identical microchip requirement on owners of dogs declared fully "dangerous," who must also keep the dog securely confined indoors or in a locked, escape-proof pen, muzzle and leash it on a maximum six-foot lead whenever it is out, and carry a $250,000 surety bond or liability insurance policy. 020(2)(c) requires the owner to present evidence of microchipping as required by law before the County will issue the registration certificate a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog owner must hold.
030(2): a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail for a potentially dangerous dog, and a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 and 364 days in jail for a dangerous dog. 040 if the owner has not complied with the restraint requirements, including the microchip implant.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a declared potentially dangerous or dangerous dog without the required permanent microchip implant is a restraint violation under SCC 7.06.025 and 7.06.030(2): a misdemeanor (up to $1,000, 90 days jail) for a potentially dangerous dog, a gross misdemeanor (up to $5,000, 364 days jail) for a dangerous dog. The dog may be impounded immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Skagit County require all dogs to be microchipped?
What else must I do besides microchip a declared dangerous dog?
What happens if I don't microchip my dog after a dangerous dog declaration?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skagit County
Compare Skagit County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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