Detroit, MI Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Microchipping mandate
- None: implanting is optional
- Who may implant
- Animal Care and Control Division
- Fee basis
- Set under Sec. 6-1-4(k)
- Transfer duty
- Written registration update required
Summary
Detroit does not require dog owners to microchip their pets. Animal Care and Control may implant chips in licensed dogs for a fee, and owners must file a written registration transfer whenever a chipped dog is sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred.
(f)The Animal Care and Control Division is authorized to implant and utilize microchips to identify licensed dogs and to collect a fee that is established and approved in accordance with Section 6-1-4(k) of this Code for such services.(g)Any person owning any a dog which has been implanted with a microchip pursuant to this section shall transfer, in writing, the microchip registration with the Animal Care and Control Division upon the barter, gift, sale, trade or other transfer of the dog. (Code 1984, §§ 6-2-5, 6-5-6; Ord. No. 04-04, § 1(6-2-5), eff. 2-17-2004; Ord. No. 06-17, § 1(6-5-6), eff. 4-20-2017; Ord. No. 2020-5, § 1, eff. 9-27-2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 6-5-6, the Animal Care and Control Division is authorized, not required, to implant and utilize microchips in licensed dogs, charging a fee set under § 6-1-4(k). Once a dog carries a microchip, the section shifts to a duty: any owner transferring that dog by barter, gift, sale, or trade must notify the Animal Care and Control Division in writing to transfer the microchip registration. There is no separate citywide microchip mandate outside this licensing article.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the required written microchip-transfer filing is a Code violation enforceable by Animal Care and Control under the general penalty provisions of Section 6-1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Detroit require dog owners to microchip their pets?
What must I do if I sell or give away my microchipped dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
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Microchipping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle microchipping.