Bill Would Require California Shelters and Rescue Groups to Microchip All Dogs And Cats

Senator Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) introduced a bill this week that would require animal shelters and rescue groups to microchip a pet before its returned to their owners or adopted to a new family.

According to Senate Bill 64 says:

This bill would prohibit a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from releasing a dog or cat to an owner seeking to reclaim it, or adopting out, selling, or giving away a dog or cat to a new owner, unless the dog or cat is microchipped. Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Current law requires that the holding period for a stray dog or cat impounded in a shelter be 6 business days, not including the day of impoundment, with exceptions, as provided. Existing law requires a shelter, during this holding period and before adoption or euthanasia, to scan the dog or cat for a microchip that identifies the owner of that dog or cat and to make reasonable efforts to contact the owner.

Locally, Antioch Animal Services already microchip dogs and cats when they are up for adoption which is included in the adoption fee. Contra Costa Animal Services also has a microchip fee ($27) for adoption of animals.