San Antonio Municipal Code Section 5-26 requires every dog and cat over four months to be microchipped and registered to the owner. ACS scans impounded animals on intake, and unchipped pets cannot be licensed or reclaimed without compliance.
Under SAMC Section 5-26, all dogs and cats four months or older must be implanted with an ISO-standard microchip and registered in a national pet recovery database with current owner contact information. Microchipping is built into the city's pet licensing process and is a prerequisite for an Intact Animal Permit. Animal Care Services scans every impounded or surrendered animal, and lost pets that scan to a registered owner are returned faster and at lower fees. Shelters, rescues, and most veterinarians offer microchip implantation, and ACS runs free or low-cost microchip clinics in target ZIP codes. Owners must update registration when they move or transfer the animal.
Failing to microchip is a Class C misdemeanor under SAMC 5-26, with fines up to 500 dollars. ACS may require microchipping at the owner's expense before releasing impounded animals, and unchipped pets cannot be licensed.
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