Memphis, TN Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Section 8-3-5(A) requires the owner or custodian of any dog or cat to have the animal implanted with a registered microchip before it turns six months old, or within 30 days of acquisition if it's already older than that when acquired. Subsection B exempts an animal a licensed veterinarian determines in writing is medically unsuitable for microchipping. Once chipped, subsection C requires the owner to keep registration current with the microchip company: any change of address or phone number must be updated within 30 days, and after a change of ownership the original owner must notify the registry of the transfer within 30 days while the new owner has 30 days to re-register the chip and keep contact information current.

Subsection D makes failing to chip the animal or maintain current registration a violation in its own right, separate from any other Chapter 8-3 offense. Three defenses apply under subsection E: the owner is a nonresident or has lived in the city fewer than 30 days; the animal is abandoned or lost and the temporary custodian has had it fewer than 30 days; or the owner produces veterinary proof the animal was microchipped by the time the summons issued, or within 30 days after. Subsection F authorizes Memphis Animal Services to help cover microchipping costs, when funds are available, for owners who can't afford it.