Microchipping: Los Angeles vs New York
How do microchipping rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?
New York has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC §53.15.3 requires every dog and cat over four months old in Los Angeles to be implanted with a registered microchip. LA Animal Services microchips all adopted, redeemed, and licensed animals before release, and California state law also requires shelter chips before transfer.
View full Los Angeles 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 | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LAMC §53.15.3 | - |
| Age threshold | Four months old | - |
| Implants at shelter | Yes, before release | - |
| Update registration | Whenever owner data changes | - |
| State backup | CA Food & Ag Code §31108 | - |
| 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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does my pet have to be chipped if I never adopted from a shelter?
Yes. LAMC §53.15.3 applies to every dog and cat over four months living in Los Angeles, regardless of where they came from. Most veterinarians and Animal Services clinics implant chips inexpensively.
What happens if my chip information is out of date?
Animal Services cannot reunite you with a lost pet. Update your chip registry immediately after moving, changing phone numbers, or rehoming the animal to avoid impound fees and possible citations.
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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