Springfield, MA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 3rd documented at-large offense
- Requires
- sterilization AND microchip
- Cost borne by
- the owner
- Also required for
- declared dangerous dogs (§110-10)
Summary
A dog or cat caught at large three times in Springfield, Massachusetts must be surgically sterilized and microchipped before Animal Control returns it, with the owner covering the cost plus a $100 fine.
If a reproductively whole dog or cat is found to be at large on three occasions, as documented by an Animal Control Officer, the animal shall be surgically sterilized and microchipped before being returned to the owner. The owner shall bear all costs associated with this service and the fine of $100 shall be imposed.
(3) The Chief Animal Control Officer may waive the sterilization requirement if he/she finds that the animal's health may be endangered by the sterilization procedure (examples include an old animal or an animal in poor health).
D. It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, harboring, or possessing any animals to permit the same to go at large any time within the limits of the City, to the damage or annoyance of any of the residents of the City.
E. In accordance with MGL c. 134, §§ 2 through 6, any stray animal found within the City of Springfield shall be reported to and impounded at the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center immediately and for the duration of the legally required stray hold.
F. Violations.
(1) An owner of an animal covered by this section that allows such animal to become a public nuisance, including but not limited to failure to properly restrain or confine said animal, may be fined:
(a) Not more than $50 for a first offense;
(b) Not more than $100 for a second offense;
(c) Not more than $300 for a third or subsequent offense;
(2)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Springfield doesn't require every pet to carry a microchip, but its at-large enforcement ladder makes one mandatory after a third documented violation: once an Animal Control Officer records a third occasion of a reproductively whole dog or cat running at large, the animal must be surgically sterilized and microchipped before it goes back to the owner, who pays both the $100 fine and the full cost of the procedures. A similar sterilize-and-microchip order is available for dogs declared dangerous or a nuisance. Hampden County has no county government; the City's own Animal Control Officers enforce this directly.
Violations & Fines
Third at-large violation: mandatory sterilization and microchipping at owner expense, plus the standing $100 at-large fine; noncompliance can lead to impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microchipping mandatory for all Springfield pets?
Who pays for the microchip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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