Metro Council passes microchip mandate for Louisville pet owners

On October 16, the Louisville Metro Council approved an ordinance requiring all pet owners to microchip their dogs and cats over the age of three months. The primary objective of this law is to enhance the efficiency of Louisville Metro Animal Services in reuniting lost pets with their owners. This initiative aims to decrease the number of animals entering shelters, promoting a more humane approach to pet ownership in the city.

Pet owners must ensure that their pets are microchipped and must update the microchip information within 30 days if they change addresses or phone numbers. Additionally, if a pet changes ownership, both the previous and new owners are responsible for updating the microchip details. This regulation underscores the importance of keeping pet identification current to facilitate swift reunification in case a pet goes missing.

Compliance with this ordinance will be monitored by Louisville animal control officers, who may issue citations to those not adhering to the law. Violators could face fines of up to $500. As pet owners adjust to this new requirement, it is essential to consider the benefits of microchipping, not only for legal compliance but also for the safety and security of beloved pets.

Source: Courier Journal