Montgomery County, MD Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must microchip
- Dangerous/potentially dangerous animals only
- Implant deadline
- Within 72 hours of determination
- Also covers
- Impounded strays, Division-adopted animals
- Insertion fee
- $10.00 by the Division
- Update window
- 30 days for address/owner changes
Summary
Montgomery County requires microchips only for dangerous or potentially dangerous animals, impounded strays, and Division-adopted pets, not for pets generally.
(a) Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous Animals. The owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal must have a microchip implanted in the animal for identification, unless the Director determines that it is medically inappropriate... Unless otherwise specified by the Director, the microchip must be implanted within 72 hours of the Division determining the animal is dangerous or potentially dangerous...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
COMCOR 05.00.03, adopted by the Animal Services Division of the Department of Police, requires a microchip only in specific cases: dogs or cats declared dangerous or potentially dangerous (implanted within 72 hours of that determination), impounded strays before release to an owner, and all animals placed for adoption by the Division. Owners of dangerous/potentially dangerous or stray animals pay the implantation and registration costs; a $10 fee covers chip and insertion when the Division does it. Owners must report any change of address, phone number, or ownership within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Failure to microchip a dangerous/potentially dangerous animal as ordered can lead to seizure of the dog under Code § 5-301(c) and Division-performed implantation at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every pet owner in Montgomery County have to microchip their dog or cat?
Who pays for the microchip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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