Is Microchipping for Pets Compulsory in the US?

Microchipping your pet is not compulsory in the U.S. However, it is highly recommended that you microchip your pet. In 2021, Hawaii became the first state to mandate that owners microchip their pets. Some cities or counties may require microchips as part of their codes of ordinances.

The states that have such provisions are:

• California West's Ann. Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 31108
• District of Columbia DC CODE § 8-1805
• Florida West's F. S. A. § 823.151
• Georgia Ga. Code Ann., § 4-11-5.2 
• Hawaii H R S § 143-2.2
• Illinois 510 ILCS 5/10 & 510 ILCS 5/11 & 225 I.L.C.S. 605/3.6(b)
• Massachusetts M.G.L.A. 140 § 151
• New Hampshire N.H.Rev.St. § 437.10
• New Jersey N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.32
• New York McKinney's Agriculture and Markets Law § 380 
• North Carolina  N.C.G.S.A. § 130A-192
• South Carolina Code 1976 § § 47-3-55
• Texas V.T.C.A., Health & Safety Code § 823.004

Microchipping your pet has several benefits: 

• Fast and easy implant done with a needle in your vet’s office.
• No anesthesia is needed.
• Minimal pain, similar to a shot.
• Helps locate families of lost pets, avoids your lost pet from getting adopted or euthanized.
• Affordable cost: $25–$55.
• Most implants last around 25 years and usually won’t need to be replaced or updated.
• Peace of mind and closure.

Note it is essential to register the microchip into a pet registry. This will help ensure that your pet can be identified and returned to you if they are lost or stolen. Findpet is a free microchip registry, so there is no excuse not to register your pet.