Seattle, WA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Seattle's animal code doesn't require every pet owner to microchip an animal, but it builds microchipping into two specific places. First, it's a compliance shortcut: SMC 9.25.080 lists it as unlawful for an owner to "fail to display conspicuously the current and valid license identification on the licensed animal," but immediately carves out an exception. "cats need not display a license identification tag if the cat is licensed and has been implanted with microchip identification and the microchip number is registered with Seattle Animal Control." That exemption applies only to cats; licensed dogs, potbelly pigs, and miniature goats still must wear a visible tag.

Second, microchipping functions as a City enforcement and identification tool rather than an owner mandate. SMC 9.25.030(A)(15) authorizes the Director of Finance and Administrative Services to implant a microchip in any animal leaving the City Animal Shelter through adoption, redemption, or release to another jurisdiction under SMC 9.25.035, and in any animal whose owner has been found to have committed a violation of the dangerous-behavior offense in SMC 9.25.084(G) or convicted of negligent control under SMC 12A.06.060. SMC 9.25.030(A)(16) similarly authorizes photographing such animals for identification.

Tampering cuts both ways under the code: SMC 9.25.080(I) separately makes it unlawful for an owner to remove a microchip the City implanted for identification purposes, treating chip removal the same as altering a license tag under SMC 9.25.080(F) or using someone else's license identification under SMC 9.25.080(D).