New York, NY Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must microchip
- Pet shops and animal rescue groups
- When
- Before release to purchaser or adopter
- Registration
- Chip registered to new owner
- Record retention
- Signed certification kept 10 years
- Penalty
- $500 civil fine per violation
Summary
New York City pet shops and animal rescue groups can't release a dog or cat to a buyer or adopter unless it's already implanted with a microchip and the chip is registered to the new owner.
No pet shop or animal rescue group shall release a dog or cat to a purchaser or adopter unless: (1) such animal has been implanted with a microchip as a permanent identification; (2) such pet shop or animal rescue group has registered such animal's microchip with such purchaser's contact information with a bona fide pet microchip registration company
Full Breakdown
Administrative Code § 17-815 requires every pet shop and animal rescue group to implant a permanent microchip in a dog or cat before releasing it to a purchaser or adopter, register the chip with the purchaser's contact information through a bona fide microchip registry, and hand over signed written certification plus manufacturer usage instructions. Sellers must keep the signed certification on file for ten years. The mandate targets commercial and rescue transfers, not owners of pets already in their household.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty of $500 per violation under § 17-806, enforced through the administrative tribunal for health code and administrative code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NYC require existing pet owners to microchip their dog or cat?
What happens if a pet shop sells a dog without a microchip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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