Clark County Joins Las Vegas in Requiring Microchips for Dogs
Effective February of this year, Clark County Nevada has changed the laws pertaining to dogs and cats over 4 months of age. An ordinance was enacted requiring all dogs and cats over four months to be microchipped. This follows the August 2024 ordinance by the City of Las Vegas that requires the same.
The goal of this change is to increase the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families and to reduce the number of animals entering overcrowded shelters.
What does this mean for you as a dog or cat owner? It’s time to head to your local vet, shelter, or non-profit that offers microchips for your dog or pet. Organizations such as the Nevada SPCA began offering reduced-rate microchips during the month of March as soon as the initiative hit, and while their bookings look to be full, there are many other facilities in town that can assist.
After your pet has been chipped, you’ll want to register your contact information and microchip numbers with the microchip registration company and animal control. If for any reason the animal changes owners, registration changes must be made within 30 days of that change. If you’ve just moved to the area, you will have 30 days to microchip, and if your pet is visiting temporarily or here for a show or exhibition, you are also exempt.
What happens if you don’t microchip your pet? Non-compliance can result in a misdemeanor citation, with imprisonment of up to six months or fines up to $1,000. Beyond the immense value of knowing your pet can be returned to you in the instance you’re separated, the fine and potential imprisonment should help you make the change sooner rather than later.
Studies have shown that microchipped pets have significantly higher chances of being returned to their owners compared to those without. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips are more than twice as likely to be returned home, while microchipped cats are more than 20 times as likely to be reunited with their families. This underscores the effectiveness of microchipping as a critical tool in ensuring our beloved pets find their way back home safely.
Visit our Services to find a vet in your area to see your pet microchipped, look for upcoming microchip events or visit The Animal Foundation for additional options.
