Austin City Council could mandate microchips for pets
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AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than a year after Austin City Council kickstarted a code amendment process in June 2023 to mandate pet microchipping, city leaders could formally approve that requirement this week.
Council will weigh out the proposed changes at their Thursday meeting. The code amendment would require microchipping of animals "at least four months of age" that aren't either wildlife or livestock, per city documents.
The proposed amendment would require all pet owners to make sure their microchipped pet has up-to-date contact information with accurate addresses and phone numbers. Those must be down with the microchip registration company "within 30 days of the date of the change in contact information."
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Should an animal receive a new owner, city documents note the new owner is required to re-register the animal with a microchip company and add their contact information "within 30 days from the date ownership changes."
Council documents add the possible code amendment comes as a possible alleviation for overcrowding at the Austin Animal Center, given that microchips can help quickly locate and contact the respective owner of a lost animal. Animal center officials have continuously cited capacity issues at the center, with those issues "leading to increased strain on resources, limited capacity to care for animals, and a higher risk of euthanasia for adoptable pets," per council's draft resolution.
The possible microchipping mandate would serve alongside the city's spay and neuter programs to minimize an influx in animal populations locally. As part of the initiative, the draft resolution added city officials will work to build up a microchipping system, with planned microchip scanners situated at all Austin police and fire stations, recreation centers and libraries as well as paired with all animal protection officers and their vehicles.
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City leaders also said the effort will include creating a public education program to educate people on the importance of microchipping and where to access the services. Those in violation of the proposed mandate, if approved, aren't expected to face any criminal charges or monetary enforcements; instead, the city efforts will focus on educational and service resources to ensure compliance.
More details on the council item are available online .
