Chesapeake, VA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Sec. 1 puts the microchip mandate on the adoption process itself. 00 for a dog seven years or older weighing over 20 pounds, or one the Animal Shelter Manager approves as having a known medical condition; a second cat's fee is waived), sign an adoption contract, and obtain the required City license under Va. 2-6524. Every adopted dog or cat must be sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, and implanted with microchip identification before release, unless completing the procedure would jeopardize the animal's health. If the animal has not already had the work done, Chesapeake Animal Services schedules the adopter to bring it back within an administratively set window capped at six months.

Adopters who use their own veterinarian instead must deliver or mail written confirmation to Animal Services within seven days of the sterilization, describing the animal, naming the new owner, and certifying that sterilization, rabies vaccination, and microchip implantation were all completed with dates. Missing that seven-day window is treated as prima facie evidence the sterilization requirement was violated, and no one may give away, sell, or otherwise dispose of the animal before it is sterilized. Violating the sterilization and microchip subsection is a class 4 misdemeanor.

The Chief of Police can waive or reduce fees for special adoption events, and fees for other adopted animals such as livestock, rodents, birds, and reptiles are set separately by the Animal Shelter Manager.