Waterloo, IA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Waterloo does not require every pet dog or cat to be microchipped up front, but permanent identification becomes mandatory at two points in the animal control chapter. First, under section 5-1A-9B, any dog apprehended after running at large, or confined after a bite investigation under section 5-1-10B, is assigned a registration number by animal control. If the dog does not already carry a microchip, tattoo or other permanent marker, a licensed veterinarian or other person acceptable to the city must affix that registration number before the dog is released back to its owner, at the owner's expense; the owner may choose which permanent method is used if more than one is offered.

Second, section 5-1B-7D requires the same permanent microchip implant or tattoo, carrying the animal control registration number, for any dog classified as potentially dangerous, dangerous or vicious under article B, again at the applicant's expense and administered by a licensed veterinarian or other acceptable person. Both sections carry the identical prohibition: no person may remove or alter the identification once it is affixed, and the requirement is separate from, and in addition to, the annual dog and cat license tag required under section 5-1A-2. Removing a microchip or tattoo, or withholding a dog from the required procedure, is enforced by animal control and the police department under section 5-1-14's inspection powers, and can be charged as a municipal infraction or, for a regulated dog, prosecuted as a violation of article B under section 5-1B-12, since the identification duty is a condition of the dog's release and continued lawful possession.