Los Angeles County, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Age requirement
- 4 months or older
- Species covered
- Dogs and cats
- Registry notice required
- Yes: national microchip registry must be notified of changes
- Enforcement agency
- LA County Department of Animal Care and Control
- Code section
- § 10.20.185 (added Ord. 2006-0029; amended Ord. 2015-0048)
Summary
All dogs and cats four months of age or older in unincorporated LA County must be implanted with a microchip, and owners must register the chip number with the Department.
A dog or cat four months or older must be implanted with an identifying microchip. The owner or custodian is required to provide the microchip number to the Department and to notify the Department and the applicable national microchip registry of a change of ownership of the dog or cat, or the owner's change of address or telephone number.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 10.20.185 requires every dog or cat aged four months or older to be implanted with an identifying microchip. The owner or custodian must provide the microchip number to the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control and must notify both the Department and the applicable national microchip registry whenever ownership changes or the owner's address or phone number changes. The microchip requirement supplements the County's existing dog and cat licensing requirements.
Violations & Fines
Failing to have a dog or cat four months or older microchipped; failing to register the microchip number with the Department; failing to notify the Department or registry of ownership changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age must my pet be microchipped in unincorporated LA County?
What do I need to do when I adopt a microchipped pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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