Whatcom County, WA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- WCC § 6.04.095(F)
- Trigger
- Formal dangerous/potentially dangerous dog declaration
- Other conditions imposed
- Kennel confinement, muzzle, 6-ft leash, insurance
- Appeal window
- 5 business days to Whatcom County District Court
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to $500 fine and 90 days jail
Summary
Whatcom County has no blanket pet microchip law. WCC § 6.04.095(F) only lets the animal control authority order a permanent microchip implant once a dog has been formally declared dangerous or potentially dangerous under WCC § 6.04.090, layered on top of confinement, muzzling, and insurance conditions.
The animal control authority, upon issuing the declaration called for in WCC § 6.04.090, may place the following conditions upon the dog owner or keeper: ... F. Require the animal to have a microchip implant for a permanent form of identification. G. If this animal is moved from the county, the owner shall notify both the Whatcom County animal control agency and the agency who controls animals in the area where the animal is being relocated.
Full Breakdown
Whatcom County has no blanket microchip mandate for cats or dogs. 090 finding a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous, based on a bite report, a citizen complaint the citizen is willing to testify to, an officer's own observation, or the dog's prior history. 095 lets the authority impose any combination of seven conditions: secure kennel confinement with locked sides, bottom and top; a muzzle and six-foot-maximum leash whenever the dog leaves the kennel, controlled by someone at least 15; continuation of any court-ordered restriction; posted liability insurance; a bright orange 'potentially dangerous dog' or 'dangerous dog' collar; a permanent microchip implant; and notice to both Whatcom County and the receiving jurisdiction's animal control agency if the dog is relocated.
120 also carry an annual registration fee set in the county's Unified Fee Schedule, an on-site inspection within 15 days of application, and another within 30 days before each renewal. 232.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring an imposed restriction, including the microchip condition, is a misdemeanor for a potentially dangerous dog under WCC § 6.04.110, and a gross misdemeanor if the dog then bites or menaces someone. WCC § 6.04.231 caps chapter-wide misdemeanor fines at $500 and 90 days in county jail, with a $50 ceiling for lesser infractions; the animal control officer may also seek the dog's destruction under WCC § 6.04.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whatcom County require microchipping all pet dogs?
What other conditions come with a dangerous dog declaration?
What happens if I ignore the microchip or other conditions?
Can I appeal a dangerous dog declaration?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whatcom County
Compare Whatcom County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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