Microchipping: Los Angeles vs San Diego
How do microchipping rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA?
San Diego 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 →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Under SDMC §44.0403, every dog or cat licensed in San Diego must be implanted with a registered microchip and the registry data kept current. California Food and Agricultural Code §31108 also requires shelter chipping before any animal is released to an adopter.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LAMC §53.15.3 | SDMC §44.0403 |
| Age threshold | Four months old | - |
| Implants at shelter | Yes, before release | - |
| Update registration | Whenever owner data changes | After move or rehome |
| State backup | CA Food & Ag Code §31108 | CA Food & Ag Code §31108 |
| Local trigger | - | Required at licensing |
| Implant provider | - | Vets, Humane Society clinics |
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What happens if my chip information is out of date?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.
San Diego FAQ
Does my pet have to be microchipped in San Diego?
If you license your dog or cat in the city, yes. SDMC §44.0403 requires a registered chip as part of licensing. Shelter-released animals are also chipped under California state law.
How do I update my chip after moving?
Contact the chip registry shown on your registration paperwork (HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, or 24PetWatch) and update the address and phone number. Most updates are free or low cost.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and San Diego compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool