Fargo, ND Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Fargo Municipal Code § 12-0117 sets the city's rules for potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs, and its registration subsection is where the microchip requirement appears. Once a dog is deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous, subsection (C)(1) says the dog shall be registered with the Fargo Police Department. The Fargo Police determine the application, and at a minimum it must include seven items: the owner's full name, home address and telephone number; proof of the implanted microchip identification number; proof of a current City of Fargo animal license; the dog's name, breed and age; a current photo; proof the dog has been sterilized; and proof of current vaccinations.

The designation itself comes from the municipal court, not the police. Under subsection (B), an application is presented to the court on reasonable cause, the court holds a hearing and decides by a preponderance of the evidence, and the owner is notified in writing of the result. A potentially dangerous dog is one that, unprovoked, bites a human or domestic animal, chases or approaches a person in an apparent attitude of attack, or has a known propensity to attack. A dangerous dog has inflicted substantial bodily injury, killed a domestic animal off the owner's property, or was previously found potentially dangerous and committed another offense.

Registration carries money requirements. A potentially dangerous dog needs continuing liability insurance of at least $100,000 per incident and a yearly registration fee up to $300. A dangerous dog needs at least $400,000 in coverage and a fee up to $600. Subsection (C)(4) sets the filing deadline: the date the court designates, then annually no later than the third Monday of each year.

A dog designated by another jurisdiction must be registered with Fargo Police within 24 hours of entering the city limits, and the owner must petition the Court for an Order to keep it longer than 14 days.