Santee, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- San Diego County Animal Services (contract)
- Microchip fee trigger
- Redeeming a stray dog or cat with no ID
- Alteration deadline
- 30 days after adoption or transfer
- Vet extension
- 30-day extension allowed in writing
- Senior/disabled program
- Age 60+ or SSI/SSDI, fees may be waived
- Governing section
- Santee Municipal Code Section 6.10.190
Summary
In the City of Santee, San Diego County Animal Services can require owners to pay for a microchip when they redeem a dog or cat found at large without identification. The fee applies on top of standard redemption charges under Santee Municipal Code Section 6.10.190. Owners must also show proper identification and meet all impoundment requirements before reclaiming an animal.
A. The owner of an impounded animal that the authorized agency is not seeking to abate may claim the animal prior to other legal disposition by providing proper identification, meeting all requirements and paying the authorized agency the applicable redemption fees. ... ... C. When a person redeems a justifiably impounded dog or cat found at large and without identification, the authorized agency may require the owner to pay the cost to implant a microchip identification device, in addition to other redemption fees established by the City or authorized agency.
Full Breakdown
Santee contracts with San Diego County Animal Services, the "authorized agency" under Chapter 6.10 of the Santee Municipal Code, to run impoundment and redemption. Section 6.10.190 governs how an owner gets an impounded pet back: subsection A requires proper identification, satisfaction of all other requirements, and payment of the authorized agency's redemption fees before the agency will release the animal. Subsection B ties the fine schedule for an unaltered dog or cat picked up at large to the state Food and Agricultural Code, Division 14, Chapter 3 for dogs and Division 14.5, Chapter 1 for cats.
Subsection C is the microchip clause: if the dog or cat that is redeemed was found at large without any identification, the agency may bill the owner for the cost of implanting a microchip on top of the other redemption fees. Holding periods before redemption, adoption or release follow Sections 17006, 31108, 31752, 31752.5, 31753 and 31754 of the state Food and Agricultural Code and Penal Code Section 597.1, per Section 6.10.200. Anyone who adopts or takes transfer of an impounded dog or cat must have it altered within 30 days unless a licensed veterinarian grants a written 30-day extension, and must prove that to the agency on demand.
The City also lets the agency run a Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons Pet Adoption Program for residents 60 or older, or SSI/SSDI recipients, waiving or adjusting fees provided the animal is vaccinated for rabies and altered.
Violations & Fines
Failing to redeem an animal properly, or refusing to pay the redemption and microchip fees San Diego County Animal Services assesses under Section 6.10.190, keeps the animal in the agency's custody and can lead to its adoption or other disposition instead of return to the owner. A person who fails to prove an adopted animal was altered within 30 days, or that a veterinarian granted an extension, is in violation and subject to the code's general penalty provisions under Chapter 6.10.290.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Santee charge extra for microchipping an impounded pet?
What must an owner show to get an impounded pet back in Santee?
How soon must an adopted pet be spayed or neutered in Santee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santee
California rules heatmap·Compare Santee to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Microchipping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle microchipping.