Council Bluffs, IA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

CBMC Chapter 4.20 does not impose a general microchipping mandate on every pet owner in Council Bluffs. The requirement instead attaches at two specific points. First, under CBMC 4.20.060, any dog or cat that has been impounded, whether picked up running at large, surrendered, or seized under a cruelty or dangerous-animal investigation, must have an identifying microchip inserted under its skin at the owner's expense before the animal is released back to them; the shelter sets the current fee for the procedure. This applies on top of the standard redemption requirements of proof of ownership, payment of board and keep and enforcement fees, a current city license, and proof of rabies vaccination.

Second, CBMC 4.20.084 folds microchipping into the mandatory conditions imposed once a dog is formally designated dangerous: within thirty days of the designation notice the owner must have the dog microchipped if it is not already, alongside spaying or neutering, warning signage, liability insurance and a secure kennel. CBMC 4.20.050 also directs an animal control officer who takes custody of a found dog to scan it for a microchip and, if one is found, to contact the last known owner for return; if none is found, the finder may keep the animal for thirty days before acquiring ownership by purchasing a license.

There is no separate penalty section for a missing microchip alone; noncompliance is addressed by withholding release of an impounded animal or by treating it as noncompliance with a dangerous dog designation order.