Microchipping is voluntary in Wayne County but strongly encouraged by WCAS. All adoptable animals from county shelters receive chips registered to new owners before release.
Michigan does not mandate microchipping for owned pets, but state shelter law (MCL 287.338b) requires shelters to scan strays for chips before euthanasia or adoption. Wayne County Animal Services chips every dog and cat adopted from its Westland facility, registering ISO-compliant chips through Found Animals or HomeAgain. Lost-pet recovery rates exceed 70% for chipped animals versus under 25% for unchipped. WCAS hosts free chip events at Belle Isle and Dearborn community centers. Owners must update registration when moving or selling pets; outdated information renders chips useless during reunification.
No civil penalty for unchipped pets. However, owners cannot reclaim impounded animals from WCAS without proof of identity; chipped animals are reunited faster, reducing impound fees.
See how Westland's microchipping rules stack up against other locations.
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