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Pacifica, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Who must microchip
owners of dangerous-animal permit holders
Deadline
30 calendar days after permit issuance
Must report to
the Animal Control Officer
General pet microchipping
not required citywide
Missed deadline
grounds for permit revocation

Summary

Pacifica does not require every pet to be microchipped, but Pacifica Municipal Code Section 6-1.210(a)(12) makes microchipping mandatory for any animal placed under a dangerous animal permit: the owner must have the animal microchipped and report the microchip number to the Animal Control Officer within thirty calendar days of the permit's issuance.

(12)Ensure said animal be microchipped and inform the Animal Control Officer with the microchip number within thirty (30) calendar days from the date the dangerous animal permit was issued.

View official code

Full Breakdown

210. Alongside the microchip requirement, that same permit obliges the owner to keep the animal muzzled and on a leash no longer than four feet with a minimum three-hundred-pound tensile strength whenever it leaves the property, confine it in a locked, escape-proof enclosure, post warning signage, and have it spayed or neutered within forty-five calendar days of the permit's issuance. 210(a)(11). 211, which can in turn lead to impoundment while the matter is investigated. 204(a)(8) separately states that a microchip does not substitute for or exempt an animal from the standard annual license, but it does not require every pet to carry a chip.

Violations & Fines

Missing the thirty-day microchipping deadline or any other dangerous animal permit condition gives the Animal Control Officer or peace officer grounds to revoke or modify the permit under Section 6-1.211, after written notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing. A revoked permit requires the owner to surrender the animal within two calendar days, and the animal can be impounded and humanely euthanized unless a different disposition is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pacifica require all dogs and cats to be microchipped?
No. There is no citywide microchip mandate for ordinary pets. Section 6-1.210(a)(12) only requires microchipping for an animal that has been designated dangerous and placed under a dangerous animal permit.
How soon does a dangerous animal have to be microchipped in Pacifica?
Within thirty calendar days of the dangerous animal permit being issued, the owner must have the animal microchipped and report the microchip number to the Animal Control Officer under Section 6-1.210(a)(12).
Does having my pet microchipped mean I don't need a license?
No. Section 6-1.204(a)(8) states that animals with microchip implants or other permanent identification are not exempt from Pacifica's mandatory annual dog and cat licensing requirement.
What happens if a dangerous animal owner never microchips the animal?
Failing to meet the thirty-day microchip deadline is a violation of the permit's mandatory conditions, which the Animal Control Officer can use to revoke or modify the permit under Section 6-1.211, potentially leading to impoundment.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pacifica

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingLight RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Pacifica rules

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