Santa Clara County Animal Services microchips every dog and cat adopted, redeemed, or released from its shelter and registers the chip to the new owner. San Jose and other cities now require microchips at licensing, expanding the mandate beyond shelter exits.
SCC Animal Services Authority microchips every dog and cat adopted, redeemed, or transferred from its shelter and registers the chip to the recipient before release. Officers scan every impounded animal at intake to speed reunification. The county does not impose a universal owner-microchip mandate, but San Jose Municipal Code chapter 7.04 and several other cities now require microchipping for any dog or cat receiving a city license. Owners must keep registry contact information current. The mandate works alongside rabies and sterilization rules and helps reduce unclaimed shelter intakes.
In cities with microchip mandates, failing to chip a licensed pet, or letting registry data lapse, draws citations starting near fifty dollars. Animals impounded without traceable chips may incur additional reclaim fees before release to the owner.
Santa Clara County, CA
Santa Clara County Code Title C requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months and sets nuisance standards. SCC Animal Services and city partners supp...
Santa Clara County, CA
Santa Clara County Code Title C requires sterilization of dogs and cats released from county shelters, mirroring California Food & Agricultural Code §30503. ...
See how Santa Clara County'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.