O'Fallon, MO Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must be chipped
- Dogs, cats, ferrets picked up at large or that bit
- When
- Before release from impoundment
- Who pays
- Owner, as a fee
- Citywide mandate for all pets
- No
- Governing section
- § 210.180
Summary
O'Fallon does not require every pet to be microchipped, but any dog, cat, or ferret picked up running at large, or one that has bitten a person or animal, must be permanently chipped before it is released from impoundment, and the owner pays the fee.
Any dog, cat or ferret which is apprehended running at large or who has bitten a human being or animal shall be permanently identified by the implantation of an encoded, inert chip or like device which contains a unique identifier capable of providing a permanent record of the identity of the animal. Such device shall be implanted prior to the release of the animal from impoundment. The cost of such permanent identification shall be charged to the owner as a fee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4860992; v58 updated 2026-05-14; through 05-14-2026).
Full Breakdown
180(A) provides that any dog, cat, or ferret which is apprehended running at large or which has bitten a human being or animal shall be permanently identified by the implantation of an encoded, inert chip or like device that contains a unique identifier capable of providing a permanent record of the animal's identity. The section specifies that the device must be implanted prior to the release of the animal from impoundment, meaning it is a condition of getting the pet back rather than a standing citywide mandate for every pet owner.
110, which run $20 for a first impoundment, $40 for a second, and $60 for a third or subsequent impoundment, plus daily boarding costs charged by the animal shelter. 080.
Violations & Fines
There is no separate microchipping citation because the chip requirement attaches as a release condition rather than a standalone offense; the underlying at-large or bite incident that triggers impoundment is punished under Section 210.120(A)(1), a minimum $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $150 for a third or subsequent offense, with the chipping fee and impoundment fees due before the animal is returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does O'Fallon require all dogs and cats to be microchipped?
Who pays for the microchip if my pet is impounded in O'Fallon?
What kind of chip does O'Fallon require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in O'Fallon
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