Charleston, WV Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must microchip
- Owners of court-declared dangerous dogs
- Who performs it
- A licensed veterinarian
- Also required
- $50,000 liability insurance policy
- Registration fee
- $50.00 annually
- First-offense fine
- $250.00, plus impoundment
Summary
Charleston requires any dog formally declared dangerous by the municipal court to be microchipped by a veterinarian at the owner's expense, with the chip recording the dangerous-dog designation before annual registration is allowed.
(1) Registration. The owner shall: a. Have a microchip inserted into the dog by a veterinarian, which microchip shall detail the dangerous dog designation and such other information as may be appropriate to determine the ownership of the dog. The owner shall be responsible for all costs associated with the microchip procedure; b. Maintain an insurance policy in a minimum amount of $50,000.00 to cover any injuries to persons or property which may be caused by the dangerous dog; and c. Annually register the dangerous dog with the city...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Once a municipal court judge determines a dog is dangerous, the owner must have a veterinarian implant a microchip identifying the dangerous-dog designation and ownership information, paying all procedure costs. The owner must also carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance and annually register the dog with the city manager for a $50 fee, submitting proof the microchip and insurance are in place. Owners must report any address or ownership change within seven days.
Violations & Fines
Failure to microchip, insure, or register a dangerous dog under Sec. 10-116 means the dog is impounded; a first conviction draws a $250 fine, and a second conviction within 24 months draws a $500 fine plus euthanasia of the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston require microchips for all pet dogs?
Who pays for the dangerous-dog microchip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia animal ordinances overview
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