San Clemente, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Microchip mandatory for
- Potentially dangerous/vicious dogs only
- Deadline if not impounded
- 10 days after notice
- Cost borne by
- Dog owner/custodian
- Also required same window
- License, rabies vaccination
- Violation penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
San Clemente does not require microchipping for ordinary pets, but a dog declared potentially dangerous must be licensed, microchipped and vaccinated at the owner's expense before release, or within 10 days if it was never impounded.
In addition to any other conditions, the dog must be properly licensed, microchipped, and vaccinated at the owner or custodian's expense before it is released to the dog's owner or custodian. If the dog was not impounded, the dog owner or custodian must provide proof that the dog is licensed, microchipped, and vaccinated within 10 days after the decision declaring the dog to be potentially dangerous is served on the dog owner or custodian.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
20. Subsection A requires the dog be properly licensed, microchipped and vaccinated at the owner or custodian's expense before the authority releases it from impound; if the dog was never impounded, the owner must instead provide proof of licensing, microchipping and vaccination within 10 days after being served the determination. This sits alongside other mandatory conditions in the same section: a secured yard or enclosure inspected and approved by the authority under subsection B, muzzling and a leash no longer than six feet whenever off the property under subsection C, a minimum 10-hour obedience course within 60 days under subsection E, spay or neuter within 30 days under subsection F, and a possible bond or insurance requirement under subsection G.
090 is held to at least the same conditions, plus a sealed, padlocked enclosure and mandatory notice to the post office and utility companies serving the property. 10 do not themselves mandate a chip.
Violations & Fines
Failing to microchip, license or vaccinate a potentially dangerous dog within the deadlines in Section 6.20.080 is a violation of the release conditions, and Section 6.20.100 makes any such violation a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance treated as it applies under the section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every dog in San Clemente need a microchip?
When must a potentially dangerous dog be microchipped?
Who pays for the required microchip?
What happens if the owner does not microchip the dog in time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
California rules heatmap·Compare San Clemente to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.