Microchipping: Chicago vs New York
How do microchipping rules compare between Chicago, IL and New York, NY?
New York has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago Animal Care and Control microchips every dog and cat before adoption or owner-redemption under MCC 7-12-310. There is no citywide mandate that privately owned pets be chipped, but Illinois Animal Control Act 510 ILCS 5 expects identification on impounded animals.
View full Chicago rules →New York, NY
New York County
New York City does not require all dogs and cats to be microchipped, but Animal Care Centers of NYC implants a registered microchip in every animal adopted, redeemed, or transferred. Licensed dogs must wear ID, and DOHMH urges chipping to speed lost-pet reunification.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption rule | MCC 7-12-310 chip before release | - |
| Cost at adoption | Included in fee | - |
| Impound rescan | $25 at CACC intake | - |
| Lookup tool | AAHA Universal Microchip Lookup | - |
| Private mandate | None citywide | - |
| Owner mandate | - | None citywide |
| Shelter chips | - | Yes, before release |
| Dog license | - | Required, Health Code §161.04 |
| Cat license | - | Not required |
| Provider | - | ACC, ASPCA, vets |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Is microchipping required for my pet?
Not for privately owned animals. Only CACC adopters and reclaimed-impound owners must accept a chip under MCC 7-12-310. Most vets recommend it because tags fall off and chips greatly improve return-to-owner rates.
How do I update chip registration?
Contact your chip manufacturer (HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, etc.) or use the AAHA Universal Lookup to find your registry. Update address and phone whenever you move; CACC matches numbers against current contact info.
New York FAQ
Is a microchip required for my dog or cat in NYC?
Not by city law. Dogs must be licensed under Health Code §161.04 and wear ID tags, but microchipping is optional for owners. ACC chips every adopted animal automatically before release.
How do I update my pet's chip information after moving?
Contact the chip registry printed on your adoption paperwork, often 24PetWatch or HomeAgain, and update phone and address online. ACC keeps a separate registry for pets adopted through its shelters.
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