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El Paso, TX Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 7.12.040
Covered animals
Dogs, cats, ferrets 4+ months
Tied to registration
No microchip, no registration cert., § 7.12.020
TNR exception
Ear-tipped TNR cats exempt
Maximum fine
$2,000 per offense

Summary

El Paso requires every dog, cat and ferret four months or older to carry an implanted microchip, not just a rabies tag. Section 7.12.040 makes microchipping mandatory citywide, and Section 7.12.020 ties it directly into the registration process: no microchip, no registration certificate.

No person shall own, keep or harbor within the city any dog, cat or ferret four months of age or older unless such dog, cat or ferret has a current vaccination and implanted microchip. A dog, cat or ferret will have a current vaccination for one year. However, after April 1, 2006, a vaccination may be current for a period of three years dependent upon the type of vaccine administered. All vaccinations shall be administered according to the label recommendations of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved vaccine. The dog, cat or ferret must be re-vaccinated before the expiration of the first and each subsequent current vaccination period.

Source: El Paso Animal Services CenterView official code

Full Breakdown

020(A)(5) exempts an ear-tipped TNR cat from the microchip and registration requirements, though the caretaker can still pay to have one implanted. 020(H).

Violations & Fines

Owning, keeping or harboring an unmicrochipped dog, cat or ferret over four months old violates Section 7.12.040 and is a misdemeanor under Section 7.04.080, punishable by a fine up to $2,000, enforceable by injunction; an officer may also demand proof of microchipping during a lawful inspection under Section 7.04.030, and an animal lacking a microchip cannot be issued or renewed a registration certificate under Section 7.12.020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microchipping actually required by law in El Paso, or just recommended?
It's required. Section 7.12.040 states no person may own, keep or harbor a dog, cat or ferret over four months old within the city unless it has "a current vaccination and implanted microchip."
Can I register my pet without a microchip?
No. Section 7.12.020(A)(3) bars issuing a registration certificate unless the animal has both a current vaccination and an implanted microchip, so the city ties registration directly to microchipping.
Are feral or colony cats exempt from the microchip rule?
Yes, if they've gone through trap-neuter-return. Section 7.12.020(A)(5) exempts an ear-tipped TNR cat from both the registration and microchip requirements that apply to owned pets.
What happens if my pet isn't microchipped when animal services checks?
Officers can demand proof of microchipping during a lawful inspection under Section 7.04.030, and violating the microchip mandate is a misdemeanor under Section 7.04.080 punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.

Sources & Official References

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