An ordinance passed yesterday says that starting Aug. 1, 2024, all dogs or cats over the age of four months residing in the city of Las Vegas must have a microchip.
At the October 18 meeting, city council members voted to pass an ordinance requiring pet owners and breeders to microchip, and register, all cats and dogs over four months of age.
Owners must register their contact information and microchip numbers with the microchip registration company and with Las Vegas Animal Protection Services through the animal pet licensing program. If/when there’s a change in ownership, that information must be updated within 30 days.
According to the City of Las Vegas, the new requirements do not apply to:
- An animal whose owner has resided within the city for fewer than 30 days
- An animal brought into the city temporarily for a show or exhibition
In addition to pet owners, breeders need to ensure that all dogs and cats offered for sale have been microchipped before being transported to a pet shop or sold.
Violations of the ordinance will result in a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be punished by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to six months or a combination of both.
Even when not mandated, microchipping is an essential safeguard against losing your pet while they are not wearing a collar and ID tag. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is embedded just underneath your cat’s skin between the shoulder blades. Microchips are not tracking devices, rather, they store your name and contact information so that a rescuer, veterinarian, or animal control officer can reunite you with your lost cat should they find him. Be sure your information is always kept current if you move or change your phone number.
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