City Ordinance for Microchipping Dogs and Cats in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas City Council approved an ordinance mandating microchips for cats and dogs within city limits. Effective August 1, 2024, all cats and dogs over four months old and within Las Vegas city limits must be microchipped. One of the driving forces behind the ordinance was the lack of microchips being one of the main reasons why shelters across the Las Vegas valley are overfilled, as unidentified pets cannot be easily reunited with their owners.

What is the Microchip Requirement for Dogs and Cats in Las Vegas City Limits?

Dog and cat owners are required to register the microchip numbers with both the Animal Protection Services and the microchip registration company through the animal pet licensing program. Their contact information must also be registered for the pet. Breeders must ensure that all animals sold are microchipped before being sold or transported to a pet shop. Any change in pet ownership must be updated within 30 days. This information should include:

• Pet owner name, address, phone number, and email address

What Are the Exceptions to the Microchip Ordinance in Las Vegas?

Exceptions to the new requirements include:

• Pets brought into the city temporarily for exhibitions or shows
• Pet owners that have lived in Las Vegas city limits for less than 30 days

What are the Consequences of Not Microchipping a Pet in Las Vegas?

Violations of the ordinance may be considered a misdemeanor. Pet owners that are not in compliance with the ordinance may face imprisonment for up to six months, fines up to $1,000, or both. For assistance with pet microchipping, please consult with local non-profit organizations such as the Nevada SPCA, your local veterinary clinic, or The Animal Foundation.

Steps to Take After Getting Bitten by a Dog Without a Microchip

If you were attacked by a stray dog, that does not necessarily mean you do not have legal recourse to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Not all stray dogs are without owners. It is possible that a dog may have gotten lost or escaped from their owner’s home. If there were eyewitnesses or the dog had a collar, microchip, or other identifying information, it is possible to track down the dog owner and hold them liable for resulting losses.

An experienced Las Vegas dog bite attorney can provide invaluable assistance if you are bitten by a dog without a microchip. They can conduct an in-depth investigation into the dog bite to identify the pet owner, determine applicable coverages, gather evidence, and seek maximum compensation through an insurance settlement or court-ordered award. For more information, call our legal team at Southwest Injury Law or message us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Las Vegas

Our dog bite attorneys can provide information about your rights, particularly if the pet is not microchipped and is within Las Vegas city limits. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your potential case at (702) 600-3200. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk in retaining our firm to represent you. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.