Caldwell, ID Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Caldwell City Code section 08-03-13(1) requires every canine to wear a substantial and durable collar with the required metal license tag attached at all times. The section then carves out a microchip exception: a canine that cannot safely wear a collar or tag is excepted from that requirement only upon application and upon proof to the Animal Control Director, a role filled by the chief of the Caldwell Police Department or a designee, that the animal has a current, valid and functioning microchip providing substantially the same information required on a metal license tag.

The same article separately authorizes the City Clerk and Animal Control Director to set different license fees for canines with and without microchips under section 08-03-11(1), by resolution of the City Council. Caldwell does not otherwise mandate microchipping as a citywide requirement; it is strictly an alternative path to the collar-and-tag rule for dogs that cannot safely wear one. Owners who fail to comply with the collar and tag requirements, including the microchip exception's proof requirement, are subject to the penalties in section 08-03-27, and repeated noncompliance can escalate from an infraction to a misdemeanor after more than two violations of the same provision within five years.