Dogs and cats licensed in Riverside must be microchipped, and shelters must scan every animal before adoption or release. Microchips speed reunification and are checked during licensing renewals.
Riverside County Ordinance 630 and RMC Chapter 6 require microchip implantation for dogs and cats at the time of licensing or release from any shelter. Owners must keep registry contact information current; outdated chips are a leading cause of failed reunification. Riverside County Animal Services scans every impounded animal and notifies the registered owner before placing the animal for adoption. Veterinarians and low-cost clinics offer chipping for under thirty dollars. Microchipping is also required before any sterilization-exempt intact permit is issued for breeders.
Failure to microchip or update registry information may result in license refusal, citation, and mandatory chipping at owner expense before impound release.
Riverside, CA
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See how Riverside's microchipping rules stack up against other locations.
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