Columbus, IN Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Section 6.12.010 of the Columbus Municipal Code requires all dogs and cats of any age to have current and valid identification upon them whenever outside the dwelling unit of the owner. On reasonable inquiry by Animal Care Services or a law enforcement agency, the owner, agent or keeper must give, to the best of their knowledge, the number of animals, breed, sex, age, name, medical and vaccination history, and disposition if possible.

Section 6.12.020 sets the approved means, in addition to any tag state law requires. The options are a current and valid tag attached to a durable collar worn at all times, with the year issued, the veterinarian or agency, a telephone number and a legible, traceable identification number; a microchip implanted in the dog or cat that bears a registered identification number and can be read by a standard microchip scanner; a permanent tag or plate on a durable collar bearing the owner's current name, address and telephone number; or other means recommended by an Animal Care Services Manager and approved by the Animal Care Services Commission. The list is not limited to those four.

Under section 6.12.030 the city makes an approved identification tag and registration form, or microchipping and registration, available to any pet owner on request once the registration is completed. The fee is fifteen dollars for a spayed or neutered dog or cat and twenty-five dollars for an unaltered one.

Microchipping is mandatory in one case: section 6.08.030 requires every declared dangerous animal to be spayed or neutered and microchipped within thirty days of the declaration. Identification also matters at the shelter, because the three-day stray hold in section 6.08.050 applies to dogs and cats four months or older with signs of ownership such as a microchip, collar, or declawing.