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As your trusted source fo all things pet in Houston, we want to take the opportunity to inform the public of a new ordinance affecting pet owners effective February 1, 2023. Due to the importance of this message, we elected to send this information outside our normal bi-monthly newsletter to ensure it receives optimal attention.
Houston dog and cat owners are now required by city ordinance to microchip their pets. BARC, the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, is reminding the public that the year-long grace period for enforcing the City’s new mandatory microchipping requirement ended February 1, 2023. On January 19, 2022, Houston City Council unanimously approved updates to Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances related to animal welfare, including mandatory microchipping.
This change replaced the previously used license tags for all owned cats and dogs with a microchip, making it easier to return lost pets to their owners. Now, animal enforcement officers can reunite lost pets with their owners in the field, bypassing the need to bring them to the shelter for intake and care.
To avoid fines, all pets must be microchipped, which will assist your pet in finding its way home if ever it becomes lost. Residents may also speak with their veterinarian or utilize BARC’s wellness clinic for more information on how to microchip their pet. Find out more information at HoustonBARC.com.
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