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Hamilton, NJ Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Blanket pet microchip mandate
None; requirement is program-specific
Community-cat caregiver duty
Must microchip every trapped community cat
Ear-tipped cats
Reasonable efforts to microchip required
Shelter microchipping fee
$20 flat fee
Governing sections
§ 108-1 (definition); § 108-25.D(4)-(5)

Summary

Hamilton Township does not require microchipping of ordinary pets, but its Trap Neuter Vaccinate and Return program mandates that community-cat caregivers microchip every trapped community cat, and the Township Animal Shelter charges a flat $20 microchipping fee under Chapter 108 and Chapter 215.

MICROCHIP An electronic identification device inserted into an animal, typically between the shoulder blades, by a veterinarian in accordance with professional medical standards. ... (4) In order for a community cat to be identified, all community caregivers must microchip any and all trapped community cats for which the caregiver is responsible. (5) In order for a community cat to be identified, all community caregivers shall make reasonable efforts to microchip any previously ear-tipped community cats.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4984352; v35 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).

Full Breakdown

G(1) directs an Animal Control Officer who traps an ear-tipped community cat to bring it to the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter, where it "will be scanned for a microchip," and if a registered chip is found, the registered caregiver is contacted. Section 108-1 separately notes that a stray dog or cat "that does not have identification tag or microchip and for which there is no identifiable owner" is treated as an animal at large. The Chapter 215-6 fee schedule (Department of Health, Recreation, Senior and Veterans Services) sets a flat microchipping fee of $20 for animals chipped through Township services, alongside the shelter's other adoption and impound fees.

Violations & Fines

Failing to microchip a trapped community cat as required by § 108-25.D(4) is enforced as a nuisance/TNVR-compliance issue under Chapter 108, with violations of Chapter 108 generally punished under Chapter 1, § 1-2, Violations; penalties, per § 108-15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hamilton Township require all pet dogs and cats to be microchipped?
No general mandate exists in the code. The microchipping requirement in Chapter 108 is specific to the Trap Neuter Vaccinate and Return program, where caregivers of trapped community cats must chip them under § 108-25.D(4).
How much does the Township charge to microchip an animal?
The Chapter 215-6 fee schedule lists a flat microchipping fee of $20, alongside other Animal Shelter fees like the $75 dog adoption fee and $45 cat adoption fee.
What happens if a trapped community cat already has a microchip?
Under § 108-25.G(1), an Animal Control Officer brings an ear-tipped trapped cat to the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter, where it is scanned; if a registered microchip is found, the registered caregiver is contacted and told where the cat is being held.

Sources & Official References

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All Hamilton rules

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