Boston does not require microchipping privately owned pets, but every dog and cat adopted, redeemed from impound, or licensed through Animal Care and Control is microchipped as a condition of release.
There is no Massachusetts or Boston statute requiring privately owned pets to be microchipped. However, Boston Animal Care and Control microchips every dog and cat that passes through the shelter — whether adopted, returned to owner from impound, or vaccinated at a city clinic. Owners reclaiming impounded animals must pay a microchip fee as part of the redemption charge. Boston also strongly encourages microchipping at the time of dog license renewal and runs periodic free or low-cost microchip events with the Animal Rescue League. Microchip registration must be kept current with the chip manufacturer; ACO officers scan every stray on intake.
There is no fine for not microchipping, but unchipped stray pets are far harder to reunite and may be transferred for adoption after the statutory hold period if no owner is identified.
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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See how Boston's microchipping rules stack up against other locations.
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