Floyd County, GA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Floyd County Code § 2-5-5
- Applies to
- Sexually mature dogs and cats
- Verification method
- Microchip scanner or medical records
- Only exemption
- Vet-documented health delay
- Cure option
- Citation dismissed if chipped before court date
- Max fine
- $1,000.00 per Section 2-1-8
Summary
Every sexually mature dog or cat in unincorporated Floyd County must carry an implanted identification microchip. The only way out is a veterinarian's documentation that the animal currently cannot safely be chipped, and a citation can still be dismissed if the pet is chipped before the court date.
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, or be in possession of a sexually mature dog or cat which does not have a microchip for identification, unless otherwise exempt from this requirement hereunder. ... (c)The current microchip status of animal will be verified by using a microchip scanner, by reviewing medical records, or by the use of other reliable information available to the Floyd County Animal Control Director.(d)Microchipping of an animal is not required if:(1)The owner provides documentation signed by a licensed veterinarian that an animal is currently unable to be microchipped due to health concerns. ... (e)Prior to the court date listed on the citation, any citation issued for a violation of this section may be dismissed if the owner provides proof to the Floyd County Magistrate Court that he or she has since had the animal microchipped so as to be in compliance.
Full Breakdown
Section 2-5-5, adopted the same day as the county's spay/neuter mandate under Ordinance No. 10-10, 2023, makes it unlawful to own, keep, or possess a sexually mature dog or cat without an implanted identification microchip unless exempt. Maturity uses the same age test as the sterilization rule in Section 2-5-1, 120 days for cats and 180 days for dogs. The Animal Control Director verifies microchip status with a scanner, medical records, or other reliable information. The single listed exemption is a licensed veterinarian's documentation that the animal cannot currently be safely microchipped for health reasons, including an estimated timeframe for when the chip could be implanted.
As with the alteration requirement, an owner cited for a missing microchip can have the citation dismissed by proving to the Floyd County Magistrate Court, before the scheduled court date, that the animal has since been chipped. Enforcement runs through the Animal Control Department, which can verify compliance in the field with a handheld scanner during any stop, complaint investigation, or licensing check.
Violations & Fines
A missing microchip is cited under Section 2-5-10 and heard in the Floyd County Magistrate Court. Section 2-5-11 sets punishment under Section 2-1-8: up to a $1,000.00 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with each day of continuing noncompliance chargeable as a separate offense. Section 2-5-5(e) gives owners the same pre-trial cure available for the spay/neuter mandate: proof of compliance before the court date can get the citation dismissed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to microchip my dog or cat in unincorporated Floyd County?
How does Floyd County Animal Control check for a microchip?
What if my pet isn't chipped when I'm cited?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Floyd County
Compare Floyd County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.