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Fargo, ND Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

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

Key Facts

General pet microchipping
Not required
Microchip required for
Dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs
Registered with
Fargo Police Department
Trigger
Municipal Court designation order

Summary

Fargo does not require microchipping for pets generally. A dog is only required to be microchipped once a court designates it dangerous or potentially dangerous and it must be registered with police.

If a dog is deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous, the dog shall be registered with the City of Fargo Police Department. The application to register the dog...shall, at a minimum, include:a.The owner's full name, home address, and telephone number;b.Proof of the implanted microchip identification number;c.Proof of a current City of Fargo animal license;d.Dog's name, breed, and age;e.Current photo of the dog;f.Proof the dog has been sterilized; andg.Proof of current vaccinations.

Source: Fargo Animal ServicesView official code

Full Breakdown

Fargo Municipal Code has no general pet-microchipping mandate. Microchipping only becomes mandatory after the Municipal Court designates a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous under § 12-0117. At that point the owner must register the dog with the Fargo Police Department, and the registration application must include, at minimum, proof of the dog's implanted microchip identification number along with proof of license, sterilization, and current vaccinations.

Violations & Fines

Failing to complete or file the required registration (including microchip proof) for a dog designated dangerous or potentially dangerous is an infraction under § 12-0117(G)(5); the dog can also be impounded until compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fargo require all dogs and cats to be microchipped?
No. There is no citywide microchipping requirement for ordinary pets under the Fargo Municipal Code.
When does a dog need a microchip in Fargo?
Only after Municipal Court designates it dangerous or potentially dangerous; the owner must then submit proof of the implanted microchip ID to police.

Sources & Official References

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All Fargo rules

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