Rialto, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Dogs designated "potentially dangerous"
- Requires
- Microchip registration certificate on file
- Also requires
- Photo, bond/insurance, 2nd tag
- Max penalty (dangerous)
- $500 fine / 6 months jail
- Max penalty (vicious)
- $1,000 fine / 1 year jail
Summary
Rialto has no citywide microchip mandate for ordinary pets, but any dog formally declared "potentially dangerous" by the city's animal control board must carry a nationally recognized microchip registration certificate in its file, along with a current photo, proof of insurance or a surety bond, and a distinct second tag at all times.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 6.04 of this title regarding licensing and vaccination, all potentially dangerous dogs shall be properly licensed and vaccinated. A dog determined to be potentially dangerous must have that designation in its registration records plus a current picture, a copy of a nationally recognized microchip registration certificate and either evidence of financial responsibility or a surety bond to cover injuries caused by an animal. The city may charge a potentially dangerous dog fee in addition to the regular licensing fee to provide for the increased costs of maintaining the records of the dog. The owner or keeper of the potentially dangerous dog will receive a second dog tag indicating it is a potentially dangerous dog. This tag must be on the dog at all times whether or not the animal is on its property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 39).
Full Breakdown
010 to cover dogs that have bitten, attacked, or menaced someone without provocation or been previously impounded twice for running at large. From that point forward, the dog's registration record must include the potentially dangerous designation, a current picture, a copy of a nationally recognized microchip registration certificate, and either evidence of financial responsibility or a surety bond covering injuries the animal might cause. The city may charge an added potentially dangerous dog fee on top of the standard license fee to cover the extra recordkeeping, and the owner receives a second tag marking the dog as potentially dangerous that must stay on the animal at all times, on or off the property.
120 separately requires the dog to be kept indoors or in a securely fenced enclosure, and muzzled and leashed by a responsible adult whenever it leaves the property.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of Chapter 6.05 involving a potentially dangerous dog, including failing to maintain the microchip registration certificate or the required second tag, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars, up to six months in county jail, or both. A violation involving a dog additionally designated "vicious" carries a fine of up to one thousand dollars and up to a year in jail (RMC 6.05.170).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rialto require all dogs to be microchipped?
What paperwork does a potentially dangerous dog need in Rialto?
What happens if I don't keep the microchip records current for a designated dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
California rules heatmap·Compare Rialto to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Microchipping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle microchipping.