Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

For animals already in an owner's hands, MSB § 24.10.050(C) makes microchipping optional: an owner "may have the dog or cat inserted with a microchip identification approved and inserted by the borough," placed at a location the chief animal care and regulation officer specifies, and once microchipped that way, the animal carries lifetime licensing rather than the three-year renewal cycle in § 24.10.010(D)(1). Section 24.10.050(D) also lets a tattoo or microchip be done elsewhere, by someone other than a borough officer, at the owner's expense, so long as the owner reports the identification number and location to the borough.

That voluntary regime flips for animals coming out of the shelter: § 24.15.070 requires that "all dogs and cats released from the animal care and regulation shelter shall receive a microchip implant," with the owner paying the fee set by the assembly and allowed to be present for the insertion if requested. Identification tags, separately, may be issued on request and must stay fastened to the collar, harness or choke chain whenever the animal is off the owner's property, except during competition, training, police-dog duty or recognized sporting activity like mushing, per § 24.10.050(B). Licensing itself remains optional under § 24.10.010(A) whether or not the animal is chipped.