Microchipping: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do microchipping rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
Universal City has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio Municipal Code Section 5-26 requires every dog and cat over four months to be microchipped and registered to the owner. ACS scans impounded animals on intake, and unchipped pets cannot be licensed or reclaimed without compliance.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Bexar County does not mandate microchipping for privately owned pets in unincorporated areas, but Bexar County Animal Care Services microchips all adopted animals and strongly recommends owners register chips with national databases to facilitate lost pet recovery.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | SAMC Section 5-26 | - |
| Age trigger | Four months and older | - |
| Standard | ISO-compliant microchip | - |
| Registration | National recovery database | - |
| Free clinics | Run by ACS in target ZIPs | - |
| County mandate | - | Not required |
| Adoption chip | - | Standard at BCAS |
| Stray hold | - | 72 hours minimum |
| Registration update | - | Owner responsibility |
| Recovery rate boost | - | Significant when registered |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Is microchipping really mandatory in San Antonio?
Yes. SAMC Section 5-26 requires microchipping for all dogs and cats four months or older. Microchipping is also required as part of city pet licensing and Intact Animal Permits.
Where can I get my pet microchipped affordably?
ACS hosts free and low-cost clinics in target ZIP codes, and partners like SpaySA, the Humane Society, and Animal Defense League offer chips bundled with vaccinations or sterilization for under 25 dollars.
Universal City FAQ
Is microchipping mandatory in Bexar County?
Not in unincorporated areas. San Antonio city limits require microchips for licensed dogs and cats, but the county itself only chips animals adopted through Bexar County Animal Care Services.
How do I update microchip registration after moving?
Contact your chip manufacturer (HomeAgain, AKC Reunite, 24PetWatch, or Found Animals) directly. Bexar County Animal Care Services cannot update chips registered to other databases or owners.
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