Lincoln, NE Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline
- 15 days after declaration
- Scope
- Declared dangerous dogs only
- Who implants
- A licensed veterinarian
- Chip removal
- Separately unlawful, § 6.10.045
- Enforcement
- Animal Control / Director
Summary
Lincoln requires owners of dogs declared dangerous or potentially dangerous to have the dog microchipped by a licensed veterinarian within fifteen days of the declaration, as part of mandatory registration with Animal Control.
The owner of any dog that has been declared potentially dangerous or dangerous shall have the following duties: a. Within fifteen days of the declaration, the owner shall have the dog neutered or spayed; b. Within fifteen days of the declaration, the owner shall have the dog implanted with a microchip identification number by a licensed veterinarian;
Full Breakdown
Under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 6.10, once Animal Control declares a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous, the owner has fifteen days to have the dog implanted with a microchip identification number by a licensed veterinarian, then must register the dog with Animal Control and supply written veterinary evidence of the chip and its ID number. There is no citywide microchipping mandate for ordinary pets: the duty attaches only after a formal dangerous-dog declaration. Removing a dog's microchip, tattoo, or other identification marking afterward is separately unlawful.
Violations & Fines
Failure to microchip within 15 days is an affirmative-duty violation of the registration requirement (§ 6.10.040(c)), and Chapter 6.10's general penalty (§ 6.10.120) makes violations a misdemeanor: up to six months in jail and fines from $200 to $500, escalating by offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lincoln require microchipping for all dogs and cats?
What happens if a dangerous dog isn't microchipped in time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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