St. Louis, MO Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Dogs declared "Dangerous Dogs"
- Requires
- Spay/neuter plus microchip for ID
- Also required for
- Biting animals before release
- Enforced by
- Commissioner of Health
- Exempt
- Police, service, licensed breeder animals
Summary
St. Louis requires dogs declared "Dangerous Dogs" to be spayed or neutered and micro-chipped for identification before the Health Commissioner will issue a certificate of registration, and applies the same requirement to biting or impounded animals before release from the animal regulation center.
The Commissioner of Health of the City shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner/guardian of each dangerous dog if the owner/guardian presents to the animal control unit sufficient evidence of: ... c. Sufficient evidence that such animal has been spayed or neutered and micro-chipped for identification;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
St. Louis has no citywide microchip mandate for ordinary pets. Under Revised Code § 10.04.270, before the Commissioner of Health issues a certificate of registration for a dog declared a "Dangerous Dog," the owner/guardian must present sufficient evidence the dog has been spayed or neutered and micro-chipped for identification, in addition to a proper enclosure, posted warning signage, and at least $50,000 in liability coverage. Separately, §§ 10.04.120.G, 10.04.150 and 10.04.160 direct the animal regulation center not to finally release a biting, stray, or impounded dog or cat unless it has been spayed/neutered and micro-chipped. Police, service, and licensed hobby/show-breeder animals are exempt under § 10.04.275.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a Dangerous Dog without a valid certificate of registration under § 10.04.270 is unlawful; the animal is subject to immediate confiscation and, after an attack causing severe injury or death, destruction by the Commissioner of Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Louis require all pet dogs and cats to be microchipped?
What happens if a Dangerous Dog isn't microchipped?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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