Clayton County, GA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Impound-release chip fee
- $15.00
- Voluntary chip fee
- $25.00
- Applies to
- at-large, biting, vicious dogs
- Transfer report deadline
- 10 days
- Removal without vet cause
- unlawful
Summary
When Clayton County animal control releases a dog impounded for running at large, an unprovoked attack or as a vicious dog, it must implant a microchip and log the owner's contact information before the dog goes home, at a $15 fee the owner pays; any owner can also request a $25 microchip at any time.
(a)When claimed by the owner, any dog that was impounded for being at large shall have a microchip identifier implanted and the owner's contact information recorded by animal control before the dog is released to the owner. The $15.00 cost of the microchip implanting shall be paid by the owner before the dog is released. ... (c)In addition to dogs impounded for running at large, any dog impounded for an unprovoked attack, bite dogs and vicious dogs, shall likewise have a microchip implanted at the owners expense when the dog is reclaimed by the owner ... Sec. 14-253.2. - Microchip of dogs at owner's request. (a)The owner of any dog may request animal control to microchip and record the owner's name and contact information to facilitate the return of the pet to the owner.(b)Animal control will charge a fee of $25.00 for this service.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 104).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 1(a)-(b)). 1(c)). 1(e)). 1(d)). 00 fee (Sec. 2). Once a chip is implanted, removing it is itself against the law: Sec. 14-256(a) makes it unlawful for anyone to remove a microchip placed by animal control, and the only exception is a licensed veterinarian who removes it when medically necessary, in which case the owner must send animal control the vet's written documentation within one week (14-256(b)). Violating the no-removal rule is punished under the county's general penalty section, Sec. 1-12 (14-256(c)).
Violations & Fines
Removing a county-implanted microchip without a documented medical reason from a licensed veterinarian violates Sec. 14-256(a) and is punished under Sec. 1-12 (14-256(c)). Failing to report the transfer of a microchipped dog to a new owner within ten days breaches Sec. 14-253.1(d). Refusing to pay the $15.00 implant fee before an impounded dog is released keeps the dog held under the reclaiming procedure in Sec. 14-253.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clayton County microchip dogs picked up as strays?
Can I get my own dog microchipped by Clayton County Animal Control?
Is it legal to remove a county-implanted microchip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clayton County
Compare Clayton County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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