Las Vegas City Wire

At the Oct. 18 City Council meeting, the Las Vegas City Council approved an ordinance requiring dogs and cats within the city to have a microchip.

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.

Owners must register their contact information and microchip numbers with the microchip registration company and Animal Protection Services through the animal pet licensing program. If there is a change in ownership, information must be updated within 30 days.

The new requirements do not apply to animals whose owners have resided within the city for fewer than 30 days or animals brought into the city temporarily for a show or exhibition.

Breeders will be required to comply with the new ordinance. They 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.

Residents are encouraged to consult with The Animal Foundation, neighborhood veterinary clinics, or local non-profits like Nevada SPCA for assistance with microchipping.