New Castle County, DE Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Alternative ID allowed
- Microchip or tattoo
- Default ID
- Metal tag on collar
- License age trigger
- Dogs 6+ months old
- Tag removal condition
- Kenneled/penned microchipped dogs only
- Wilmington
- Exempt, has own code
Summary
New Castle County lets a licensed dog wear a microchip or tattoo instead of a metal tag, as long as proof of the license and ID method is available for an animal control officer on request.
e. Dog tags. Each issued license will be accompanied by either a metal tag or an alternative method of identification, such as, but not limited to, a microchip or tattoo. ... Dog tags may be removed when the dog is licensed as a kennel or retail dog outlet and is housed in an enclosure or a pen.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
Every dog six months or older must be licensed annually with the County, and each license comes with a metal tag or, per Sec. 4.02.001.B.1.e, 'an alternative method of identification, such as, but not limited to, a microchip or tattoo.' If the collar and tag come off, a valid license and tag must still be available for an animal control officer to inspect. Tags may be removed once a microchipped dog is licensed as a kennel or retail-outlet animal and kept in an enclosure or pen. Wilmington residents are exempt from this county license requirement because Wilmington runs its own municipal code; Newark likewise has a separate municipal code not covered by this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Failing to produce a valid license and tag (or equivalent microchip/tattoo proof) for an animal control officer is a licensing violation under Section B.3: fined $50-$100 for a first offense, $100-$200 for each later offense within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Castle County require dogs to be microchipped?
Can I remove my dog's collar tag if it has a microchip?
Does this rule apply inside Wilmington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Castle County
Compare New Castle County to another location·View the Delaware animal ordinances overview
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