San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Declared dangerous/vicious animals only
- Required ID
- Registered tattoo or implanted microchip
- Enforced by
- Animal Care and Control Program
- Also required
- Photo on file, warning sign
- Relocation notice
- 2 working days of change
Summary
San Bernardino County requires owners of animals formally declared potentially dangerous or vicious to permanently identify the animal with a registered tattoo or implanted microchip on file with the Animal Care and Control Program.
The owner or keeper of the animal shall provide a permanent identification by means of either a registered tattoo or implanted microchip that shall be registered with the Animal Care and Control Program. A photograph of the animal shall be kept on record for identification, in addition to registration as a dangerous animal or vicious animal.
(d) Notice of Change of Location or Death of Animal.
(1) If an animal determined to be potentially dangerous or vicious dies, is sold, transferred or permanently removed from the County, the owner or keeper shall notify the Chief Officer of the changed condition(s) and new location of the animal in writing within two working days of the changed status.
(2) Animals determined to be potentially dangerous or vicious may be relocated to other premises within the County only upon written notification to the Animal Care and Control Program a minimum of five working days in advance of the animal being physically transferred to new premises. Such physical transfer requires the inspection and approval by an Animal Control Officer of the new premises’ enclosure and perimeter fencing for compliance with § 32.1405.
(e) Licensing and Vaccination. All potentially dangerous and vicious dogs shall be licensed and vaccinated in accordance with Chapter 2 of Title 3 of the County Code. The potentially dangerous or vicious dog designation shall be included in the license records of the dog. A potentially dangerous or vicious
Full Breakdown
This microchip mandate applies only to animals that go through the county's dangerous/vicious animal determination process under Chapter 14 of the Animal Regulations, not to pets generally. Once an animal is designated, the owner must register a tattoo or implanted microchip with Animal Care and Control and keep a photo of the animal on record, alongside a secure enclosure, muzzle/leash requirements off-property, warning signage, licensing and vaccination, and periodic compliance inspections. Owners must also report the animal's death, sale, transfer, or removal from the county within two working days.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain the required identification and other designation conditions can trigger a compliance inspection or hearing, and sustained noncompliance can support seizure or destruction proceedings against the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every dog in San Bernardino County need a microchip?
What counts as valid permanent ID under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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