National City, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

National City has no blanket microchip mandate for pets. The only microchip requirement in the Municipal Code is § 8.16.130, which applies to a biting dog. Section 8.16.005(B) defines a biting dog as any dog that has bitten another animal or human in this or another jurisdiction at least once, without provocation and not in defense of itself or its owner or handler. The definition also includes any potentially dangerous or vicious dog as defined by the Food and Agricultural Code.

A biting dog that is not processed under § 8.16.070 must be microchipped with an identifying tag at the owner's expense. The owner must also maintain comprehensive liability insurance in a minimum amount of one hundred thousand dollars combined single limit, as a condition of keeping the animal within the city limits. The exception is a dog whose removal is required under § 8.16.070(B) after it has been adjudicated potentially dangerous or vicious. Proof of compliance goes to the animal control officer within fourteen calendar days after notification, and it is unlawful for an owner to maintain a biting dog within the city limits in violation of the section.

Microchips also earn a licensing incentive. Under § 8.12.050, a dog that has been microchipped for identification and meets all other requirements for licensing is issued a one-time free license for one year, in addition to any other city animal control licensing incentives. Licenses are issued by the city finance director. The other licensing requirements still apply: dogs over four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies as a prerequisite to a license (§ 8.12.040), and the numbered metal license tag must be attached to the collar or harness and worn at all times, except when the dog is securely confined on the owner's property or in a vehicle (§ 8.12.030).

Enforcement runs through the animal control officer. Violations of Title 8 are infractions unless designated as misdemeanors (§ 8.04.010(F)), and an administrative citation can issue under Chapter 1.44 without a prior notice of violation for a first violation.