Thousand Oaks, CA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum age
- 4 months or older
- Mandatory trigger
- First-time dog license in the City
- Renewal microchipping
- Optional
- Update duty
- Report ownership/address changes to City and national registry
Summary
Thousand Oaks requires dogs 4 months or older to be implanted with an identifying microchip whenever an owner obtains their first city dog license. Dogs that already hold a license only need microchipping if the owner opts in at renewal.
An owner or custodian of a dog four (4) months of age or older obtaining a license renewal may have the dog implanted with an identifying microchip. An owner or custodian of a dog four (4) months of age or older not previously having a license within the City is required to have the dog implanted with an identifying microchip in conjunction with obtaining a new dog license. 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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
This amendment to the adopted Los Angeles County animal code (TOMC § 6-1.109) distinguishes between renewal and first-time licensing: an owner renewing an existing dog license 'may' have the dog microchipped, but an owner licensing a dog for the first time in the City 'is required' to have it microchipped as part of getting that new license. Owners must give the microchip number to the City's animal control department and must update both the department and the national microchip registry whenever the dog or cat changes ownership or the owner's address or phone number changes.
Violations & Fines
Because this section amends Title 10 of the Los Angeles County Code as adopted into the TOMC by § 6-1.100, a violation is treated as a violation of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code, subject to penalties under Title 1, Chapter 2 of the Code or an administrative fine under LA County Code § 10.04.075.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microchipping mandatory for every dog in Thousand Oaks?
What do I need to do if my microchipped dog changes owners or I move?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Microchipping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle microchipping.