Anne Arundel County, MD Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Qualifying violation within 24 months
- Cost
- Owner pays for the microchip
- Agency
- Department of Animal Services
- Citation
- County Code § 12-4-504(j)
- Qualifying offenses
- Dangerous-animal, nuisance, disturbance, at-large, school-grounds
Summary
Anne Arundel County's Department of Animal Services must microchip an impounded animal at the owner's expense before redemption if the owner had a qualifying animal-control violation within the prior 24 months.
(j) Microchipping. An impounded animal shall be microchipped at the owner’s expense prior to redemption if, within the 24 months prior to the impoundment, the owner of the animal was found guilty, placed on probation before judgment for, or paid a civil citation for a violation of §§ 12-4-402, 12-4-903, 12-4-904, 12-4-905, or 12-4-906.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 12-4-504(j) conditions redemption of an impounded dog, cat, or other animal on microchipping, paid by the owner, whenever the owner was found guilty, given probation before judgment, or paid a civil citation in the prior 24 months for a public-safety-threat/dangerous-animal designation (§ 12-4-402), public nuisance (§ 12-4-903), animal disturbance (§ 12-4-904), running at large (§ 12-4-905), or trespassing onto school or park grounds (§ 12-4-906). The Department of Animal Services enforces it countywide, including unincorporated Glen Burnie and Severna Park; Annapolis and Highland Beach run separate animal-control programs.
Violations & Fines
Failure to microchip before redemption keeps the animal impounded; the Department may deny release until the owner pays for and provides proof of microchipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anne Arundel County require microchipping for all pets?
Who pays for the microchip?
Does this apply in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview
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