Sherman, TX Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

The microchip rule with the most force sits in the dangerous dog article of Chapter 2 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances. Under § 2.03.005, an owner who keeps a dog found dangerous must microchip and register the dog for its life with a national registry and present proof to the animal services supervisor, all at the owner's expense. The deadline is seven days after the supervisor or the court gives notice that the dog is dangerous, or forty-eight hours after an unsuccessful appeal. Subsection (b) carves implantation of a microchip out of the appeal language that otherwise addresses the owner requirements. Microchipping is one item on a list that also includes registering the dog, a secure enclosure approved by the supervisor, liability insurance of at least $200,000.00, and proof of sterilization. The annual dangerous dog registration fee is $200.00 under § 2.03.006.

Section 2.01.001 defines the device: a passive electronic device injected with a hypodermic-type syringe, carrying a unique number that an electronic scanner reads, and supplied with an exterior collar-type tag. Animal services works under the authority of the Sherman Police Department (§ 2.01.002).

Two other provisions reach ordinary dogs and cats. A pet shop licensed under § 2.02.029, and any business establishment selling animals, must ensure that every cat and dog offered for sale, trade or free giveaway is sterilized by a licensed veterinarian and implanted with a registered microchip, and must give buyers information on microchipping among the ownership requirements. Under § 2.02.008(d), when the municipal court orders a nuisance animal removed after three or more bona fide complaints within twelve months from two or more reporting parties at different addresses, a dog or cat must be microchipped, registered with animal services, and relocated to a permanent location more than 5,000 feet outside the city limits.