6.12.052 Microchipping of dogs and cats - Mandatory requirements for those redeemed or adopted from the city's animal shelter - Microchipping otherwise encouraged - Exemptions.

   (A)   All dogs and cats adopted from the city's animal shelter shall be implanted by the city with an identifying microchip at the expense of the owner, keeper or other responsible party. Except as provided for in § 6.12.052(C) below, all dogs and cats redeemed from the city's animal shelter shall be implanted by the city with an identifying microchip at the expense of the owner, keeper or other responsible party.

   (B)   Though not mandatory, all other dogs and cats whose owners or keepers reside in the City are encouraged to be implanted with an identifying microchip upon reaching eight (8) weeks of age, unless a California licensed veterinarian believes that it is not appropriate for that particular dog or cat. The microchip may be implanted by the city, to the extent and under the conditions that the city is able to offer such service, or by another appropriate entity or person.

   (C)   The mandatory microchipping requirements shall not apply to any of the following:

      (1)   A dog or cat with a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily injury if implanted with the microchip identification due to the health conditions of the animal. The owner or keeper must obtain written confirmation of that fact from a California licensed veterinarian. If the dog or cat is able to be safely implanted with an identifying microchip at a later date, the date must be stated in the written confirmation.

      (2)   A dog or cat which would be impaired of its athletic ability or performance if implanted with the microchip identification. The owner or keeper must obtain written confirmation of that fact from a California licensed veterinarian. If the dog or cat is able to be safely implanted with an identifying microchip at a later date, the date must be stated in the written confirmation.

      (3)   A dog or cat that is kenneled or trained in the city, but is owned by an individual that does not reside in the city. The owner or keeper must keep and maintain the animal in accordance with the applicable laws and ordinances of the jurisdiction in which the owner or keeper of the animal permanently resides, including, but not limited to, the applicable licensing and rabies vaccination requirements of that jurisdiction.

      (4)   A dog or cat whose owner or keeper is not a resident of the city and who: (a) is traveling through the city; (b) is temporarily sojourning in the city for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days; or (c) is only in the city to participate in an animal show.

   (D)   Nothing in this section supersedes, eliminates or alters the requirements of §§ 6.12.010, 6.12.030 or any other licensing requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. 3246 § 7, 2016)