Sterling Heights, MI Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- PD-classified dogs only
- Implant by
- Licensed veterinarian required
- Chip must show
- PD status plus owner info
- Cost
- Paid entirely by owner
Summary
Sterling Heights doesn't microchip every pet, but a dog animal control has classified 'potentially dangerous' must carry a vet-implanted microchip encoding its status before it's allowed back into the city under Code § 8-28(E).
A potentially dangerous dog shall have a microchip implanted by a licensed veterinarian. The microchip shall contain the name and approximate age of the dog, its classification as potentially dangerous, and the name, address, and telephone number of the registered owner.
(d) The owner shall obtain and maintain public liability insurance with policy coverage in the minimum amount of $250,000.
(e) Two recent color photographs of the dog, which clearly show the color and approximate size of the animal, shall be provided to animal control.
(f) The potentially dangerous dog shall meet the requirements of the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program, or its equivalent, to the satisfaction of animal control. Dogs that are under one year of age are ineligible for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program, so such dogs must be enrolled in or have completed the AKC START Program or an equivalent approved by animal control. The dog may not return to its city residence until these requirements have been met, but it may be kept at a qualified rescue or dog housing business until proof of successful completion of the program is submitted to, and acknowledged by, animal control and the City Clerk. For every future violation of this chapter for which a dog may be determined to be potentially dangerous which occurs after the dog has completed the requirements of this subsection and been properly registered under this section, additional training or testing,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Code § 8-28(E)(1)(c) requires a potentially dangerous dog to be fitted with a microchip implanted by a licensed veterinarian, encoding the dog's name, approximate age, its 'potentially dangerous' classification, and the registered owner's name, address, and phone number. Before the dog may return to any Sterling Heights property, § 8-28(E)(2)(b) requires the owner to submit proof of microchipping to the City Clerk and keep the chip information current. All microchipping and impoundment costs fall on the owner. A dog impounded outside the shelter must be chipped first under § 8-28(D); dogs visiting from other Macomb County, Michigan communities are chipped before release if classified dangerous here.
Violations & Fines
Same escalating civil infractions as the underlying dangerous-dog violation: $500 first offense, $750 second, $1,000 thereafter, plus impoundment (§ 8-28(F)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sterling Heights require microchips for all dogs and cats?
Who pays for the required microchip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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Microchipping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle microchipping.