Richmond does not require microchipping but strongly encourages it for all dogs and cats; RACC scans every impounded animal and uses chips as the primary tool for owner reunification.
Microchipping is voluntary in Richmond and across Virginia. There is no city ordinance compelling implantation, but Richmond Animal Care and Control microchips every animal it adopts out and recommends owners register chip data with a national recovery service. Chapter 4 dog license rules require current rabies vaccination but do not require chips, though RACC discounts reclaim fees for chipped animals. Lost-pet reunification rates double for chipped animals, and chips serve as legal evidence of ownership in custody disputes. Some apartment leases and breed-specific liability insurers require chipping as a condition of tenancy.
No penalty for not chipping. However, unclaimed unchipped animals may be adopted out or euthanized after the statutory five-day stray hold under VA Code §3.2-6546.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Richmond, VA
Richmond's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Politica...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no specific city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants under Virginia's P...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Real restrictions arise from HOA and condo covenants under ...
Richmond, VA
Outdoor kitchens in Richmond require separate trade permits from PDR Building Permits: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lin...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no specific city ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit re...
Richmond, VA
Richmond enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), which adopts the 2018 International Fire Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooki...
See how Richmond's microchipping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.