Darlington County, SC Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Darlington County does not require pet owners to microchip their animals, but Code of Ordinances § 6-17(a) charges a $25.00 microchip fee whenever an impounded pet that carries a chip is reclaimed from the county animal shelter. The fee sits alongside a $25.00 base redemption fee and a $10.00 per day boarding charge for every day beyond the first full day of impoundment, plus a $15.00 rabies inoculation fee that is waived if the owner shows proof of a current rabies vaccination. The same figures are restated in the county's consolidated fee schedule at § 2-412(2), which cites the microchip charge to S.C.

Code 1976, § 47-3-55 and the rabies fee to § 47-3-40. All fees collected under § 6-17 must be paid to the county treasurer for deposit in the county general fund; the shelter officer, working under the Sheriff's Office-run animal control program, handles intake and redemption. Owners who cannot produce proof of a valid rabies inoculation for the year the pet is held must pay the inoculation fee, after which the animal control officer issues a coupon redeemable with a participating licensed veterinarian, and the owner has five working days from regaining possession to have the pet vaccinated.

If a dangerous animal has been impounded, § 6-17(b) requires the consent of the county humane society's board of directors, in addition to payment of all fees, before the owner may redeem it. Because the microchip charge only applies "if applicable," an owner whose reclaimed pet carries no chip pays only the base and boarding fees.