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Miami, FL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Authority
Miami-Dade Code Ch. 5
Required at
Adoption or reclaim
Chip type
ISO 15-digit
Free clinics
Periodic events
Stray return
Faster with chip

Summary

Miami-Dade County Code Chapter 5 requires every dog or cat adopted from, or reclaimed by, county Animal Services to be microchipped before release. Miami residents follow this county rule. Microchip registration must list the current owner address and phone.

All pets adopted from Miami-Dade Animal Services undergo basic vetting and include sterilization, vaccinations and microchip. ... License Tag or Microchip Registry: Quickly access crucial details about your pet's identification with our License Tag/Microchip look up service. ... Dog License: License tags are required for all dogs. Tags must be renewed one year from the last date of purchase. It's the law.

Source: Miami-Dade Animal ServicesView official code

Full Breakdown

Animal Services implants an ISO-standard 15-digit microchip in every shelter dog and cat before adoption or reclaim. Owners receive registration documents and must keep contact information current with the chip registry. The county also runs free or low-cost microchip clinics for resident pets not yet chipped. Microchip status helps stray pets be returned home without impound fees and is required to qualify for the Unaltered Animal Permit. Lost-pet reports are checked against the chip database before euthanasia hold periods expire. Veterinarians may scan and report found pets directly.

Violations & Fines

Releasing or adopting an unchipped pet, or refusing to microchip a reclaimed animal, results in surgery at owner expense, fines up to $200 per animal, and longer mandatory hold or potential loss of reclaim privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Miami dog have to be microchipped?
Only if adopted from or reclaimed at Miami-Dade Animal Services, or if you want an Unaltered Animal Permit. Otherwise microchipping is strongly encouraged but not legally required for currently owned pets.
How do I update microchip registration?
Contact the chip manufacturer (HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, etc.) and update phone, email, and Miami address. Free universal lookup at petmicrochiplookup.org tells you which registry holds your chip.

Sources & Official References

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All Miami rules

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