Renton, WA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

RMC 6-6-2(B)(2) sets redemption conditions for impounded animals. If an impounded animal was not microchipped at the time of impound, the City will have a microchip inserted, and before the owner or custodian can redeem the animal, they must reimburse the City for the actual cost of that microchipping in addition to standard impound fees. This sits alongside RMC 6-6-2(B)(1), which requires an owner redeeming an unlicensed impounded animal to first purchase a City animal license. Owners also must reimburse the City for other out-of-pocket costs tied to the impound, including boarding, food, necessary medical care, vaccinations, veterinary exams and treatment, and transportation, per RMC 6-6-2(C).

All costs are generally due at or before redemption, though the Finance Administrator or the City's fee schedule brochure can set up a uniformly applied waiver, reduction, or payment plan system, with waivers and reductions limited to Economically Qualified Residents as defined in RMC 5-4-2, and no waiver available if the animal has been impounded more than once in the preceding year. Payment plans can carry interest or administrative fees and require a promissory note approved by the City Attorney, and the City can refuse to renew an animal license if the owner falls behind on a payment plan.