Pierce County, WA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must microchip
- Only dangerous/potentially dangerous declared animals
- Dangerous animal permit
- $500 initial + $500/yr, PCC 6.07.030
- Potentially dangerous permit
- $250 initial + $250/yr, PCC 6.07.040
- Proof required
- Microchip number provided to Auditor
- General pets
- No countywide microchip mandate
- Violation
- Gross misdemeanor, PCC 6.07.070
Summary
Pierce County doesn't require microchips for pets generally, only for dogs and cats declared dangerous or potentially dangerous. PCC 6.07.030.A makes proof of microchipping a condition of the $500 dangerous-animal permit, and PCC 6.07.040.A imposes the identical requirement for the $250 potentially-dangerous-animal permit. Owners must provide the microchip number to the Auditor's office before the County will issue either permit.
A. Following the declaration of a dangerous animal and the exhaustion of the appeal therefrom, the owner of a dangerous animal shall obtain a permit for such animal from the Auditor and shall be required to pay the fee for such permit in the amount of $500.00 to the Auditor or the Auditor's designee. In addition, the owner of a dangerous animal shall pay an annual renewal fee for such permit in the amount of $500.00 to the Auditor or the Auditor's designee. A permit will be issued to the owner of a dangerous animal upon payment of the permit fees if the owner is able to pass an inspection within the prescribed timeframe by meeting the following inspection criteria: 1. A proper enclosure of the animal with a posted warning sign as defined in PCC 6.02.010, 2. Proof that the animal has been microchipped and microchip number is provided.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
00 annual renewal, and pass an inspection covering a proper enclosure with a posted warning sign, "proof that the animal has been microchipped and microchip number is provided," two current color photographs, current rabies vaccination, proof of spay/neuter, a $500,000 liability policy or surety bond, a muzzle, and a brightly colored collar with a current license tag. B. Outside these two permit tracks, Pierce County's animal code does not require routine pet microchipping. 050 separately requires the owner to notify animal control if the animal goes loose, injures someone, is sold or moved, or dies. C.
Violations & Fines
Owning a declared dangerous or potentially dangerous animal without the required permit, including the microchip proof, is enforced under PCC 6.07.070: knowingly violating any provision of Chapter 6.07 PCC is a gross misdemeanor, and a convicted owner must pay restitution to the animal control authority for boarding, food, and veterinary expenses incurred enforcing the chapter. An animal that attacks a person or another animal while out of compliance may also be ordered destroyed if the court finds it poses a continuing threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pierce County require every dog to have a microchip?
What does a dangerous-animal permit cost besides the microchip requirement?
Is the fee lower for a potentially dangerous animal?
What happens if an owner ignores the microchip and permit requirements?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
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