Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must microchip
- Owners of dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs
- Cost
- At the owner's expense
- Report to
- Animal Shelter
- General pets
- No citywide microchip mandate
Summary
Boise doesn't require microchips for all pets, but any dog ruled dangerous or potentially dangerous must be permanently microchipped at the owner's expense.
A dog found to be dangerous or potentially dangerous shall be permanently identified by means of a microchip or other method used for the identification of companion animals at the expense of the owner. Microchip registration shall be reported in a timely manner to the Animal Shelter. Photographs of the dog may be required by the Animal Shelter. Upon demand, the dog's owner shall provide access to the animal for the purpose of verifying microchip implantation or other identification method to any authorized officer.
c. The premises on which a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog is kept shall be posted with clearly visible signs stating, "Beware of Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Dog per Boise City Code Section 5-1-11" and with a warning symbol or representation that informs children of the presence of a dog that may be dangerous. The sign shall be constructed of durable, weatherproof materials and at least twenty-four inches by twenty-four inches (24" x 24") in size. All signs shall be kept clear of obstructions and shall be clearly visible and readable from at least thirty feet (30') away.
d. The owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog shall sign a statement attesting that the owner acknowledges and agrees to notify the City Clerk within twenty-four (24) hours if the dog is at large, has attacked livestock or another domestic animal, has attacked a human being, has died, has
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code doesn't mandate microchipping for ordinary pets. The requirement kicks in only after a dog is formally determined dangerous or potentially dangerous under BCC § 5-1-11: the owner must have it permanently identified with a microchip or comparable method, at their own cost, and report the microchip registration to the Animal Shelter. Officers can demand access to the dog to verify the chip is in place, and a dog found without one can be confiscated.
Violations & Fines
A dangerous or potentially dangerous dog that isn't microchipped or otherwise identified can be confiscated by a Humane Officer and destroyed after a 5-business-day waiting period; enhanced fines apply for repeat violations, per the City's Master Fines and Fees Schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boise require microchips for all dogs and cats?
What happens if a dangerous dog isn't microchipped?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.