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Kitsap County, WA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Microchip mandate
None; county records chip only if present
Governing section
KCC 7.08.030(b)(5)-(6), license contents
Enforcement benefit
Chip lets authority skip formal impoundment
Redemption cost
Microchip fee charged if impounded
Jurisdiction
Unincorporated Kitsap County only

Summary

Kitsap County does not mandate microchipping every cat or dog, but if a pet is chipped, the county's license procedure requires the license to record the microchip implant and its identification number, and impound redemption fees under the animal code separately cover any microchip fee charged.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Kitsap County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(b) Contents of License. The license shall contain the following: (1) Date of issuance and date of expiration; (2) A serial number; (3) Type of animal, its name, age, color(s), sex, breed/mix, distinguishing characteristics, and whether the animal is spayed or neutered; (4) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the animal; (5) Permanent identification number or marking, such as microchip implant, if applicable; (6) The corresponding microchip identification number, if applicable.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4864424; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).

Full Breakdown

Kitsap County's animal code does not create a stand-alone requirement that every dog or cat be microchipped. " The phrase "if applicable" in both subsections shows the county records a microchip when one exists rather than compelling every owner to implant one. 030(a). 010(e)(1) lists a microchip fee among the charges an owner must pay to redeem an impounded pet, alongside impound, vaccination, boarding, and any medical-care costs and license fees. 010(f) rather than returned directly to its owner. This rule applies only within unincorporated Kitsap County.

Violations & Fines

There is no separate civil infraction or misdemeanor in Title 7 for failing to microchip a pet, since the county does not require it. However, an unchipped animal that goes at large loses the fast-track return option in KCC 7.14.030(1) and is more likely to be formally impounded under KCC 7.10.010, exposing the owner to impound, boarding, and license fees before redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kitsap County require me to microchip my dog or cat?
No. Kitsap County's animal code has no stand-alone microchip mandate. KCC 7.08.030(b)(5) and (6) simply require the license to record a permanent identification number or marking, such as a microchip implant, 'if applicable,' meaning the county documents a chip when one exists rather than forcing every owner to install one.
Does microchipping help if my pet gets loose in Kitsap County?
Yes. Under KCC 7.14.030(1), the animal control authority may return a stray animal to its owner without formal impoundment if it can identify the owner through license, microchip, or other methods. An unchipped, untagged animal is more likely to go through full impoundment under KCC 7.10.010 instead.
Will I be charged for a microchip if my pet is impounded?
Yes. KCC 7.10.010(e)(1) lists a microchip fee among the charges an owner must pay to redeem an impounded pet, along with impound, vaccination, and boarding fees and any medical care costs incurred while the animal was in the shelter's custody.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kitsap County

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All Kitsap County rules

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