Kern County, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Impound intake
- Every dog and cat scanned for chip (§7.08.160)
- Redemption
- Chip required first if none exists (§7.08.190(E))
- Adoption
- Chip required first if none exists (§7.08.200(C))
- Fee
- Set by board of supervisors' fee schedule
- Commercial facilities
- Must log chip ID in animal records (§7.08.040(B))
Summary
Kern County doesn't force every pet owner to microchip a dog or cat that has never seen the shelter. But once an animal passes through the county's impound system, microchipping becomes mandatory: every dog and cat is scanned at intake, and any one not already chipped must be microchipped before it can be redeemed by its owner or adopted out.
The director shall require that a true and faithful record be kept of the number and description of all animals taken into custody... Every dog and cat shall be scanned for a microchip. ... E. All dogs and cats, not already microchipped, shall be microchipped prior to redemption. ... C. All dogs and cats, not already microchipped, shall be microchipped prior to adoption.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
160 requires that upon impoundment, "every dog and cat shall be scanned for a microchip," part of the director's broader duty to keep a true record of every animal taken into custody. 190(A), including a microchipping fee alongside license, vaccination, board-and-care, and any spay/neuter costs, all set by the board of supervisors' fee schedule. 040(B) requires every permitted commercial animal facility to keep a record for each animal that includes "microchipping identification and name of veterinarian," alongside ownership, breed, gender, and age data, so chip status is tracked wherever the county has permitting authority.
Violations & Fines
Microchipping isn't punished as a stand-alone infraction; it's a condition the department enforces by withholding release. An owner cannot complete redemption under Section 7.08.190 or an adopter cannot complete adoption under Section 7.08.200 until the animal is chipped and the fee is paid, alongside any other outstanding license, vaccination, or board-and-care charges. A permitted commercial facility that fails to keep the microchip identification records required by Section 7.08.040(B) risks the permit suspension or revocation process in Section 7.08.040(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kern County require all pet owners to microchip their dog or cat?
What happens if my impounded dog isn't already microchipped?
Do adopted shelter pets leave already microchipped?
Do commercial breeders or boarding kennels need to track microchip numbers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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