Huntsville, AL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Upon confinement of a dog or cat, HAS shall scan the animal for a microchip, and check for tags, tattoos or other identifying information to make reasonable efforts to ascertain the identity of and notify the owner or person in charge of such dog or cat of its confinement and of the conditions under which possession of such animal may be regained. Unless determined otherwise by the director, sterilization and microchipping of all animals impounded by HAS shall be mandatory and the owner or person in charge shall bear the cost associated therewith. The owner or person in charge shall have 30 days to update the microchip with correct identification information.

(c) If not claimed by the owner or person in charge within three days, the city may transfer ownership of any dogs or cats held by HAS to an approved adoption applicant, or any animal rescue agency that can provide proof of Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and is otherwise approved and authorized by the director provided the approved agency, upon obtaining possession of each such dog or cat, shall agree not to release the animal to any person other than the owner or person in charge until the following requirements have been met:

(1) Dogs and cats three months of age or older have received a rabies inoculation;

(2) Dog and cats have been microchipped. The new owner or person in charge shall have 30 days to update the microchip with correct identification information; and

(3)