As of June 17, 2017, all dogs and cats four months and older in the City of Dallas must be microchipped. The previous registration system in the city will be replaced by mandatory microchipping. For additional information see Chapter 7-4.2 of Dallas City Code.
What is a microchip?
A microchip is a permanent form of identification. About the size of a grain of rice, it is injected beneath the surface of your pet's skin between the shoulder blades. The microchip can be read by a microchip reader that will pick up the chip's unique ID code to identify the pet.
How do I get one?
You can get your pet microchipped at your veterinarian's office and at many mobile clinics in the area. Spay Neuter Network offers pet microchipping for just $15.
What do I have to do after I've microchipped my pet?
Make sure you register the chip with your microchip company and keep your contact information up to date. The ordinance requires that you keep all information current within 30 days of a change – so if you get a new pet or change your address, you must update that information with your chip company within 30 days.
My pet is microchipped and the information is up to date – now what?
You're all set. If your pet is impounded, or an animal services officer asks to see that your pet is chipped, they will be able to scan your pet with a microchip reader and see that you are in compliance. Now, if your pet is ever lost, a shelter or person that finds the pet will be able to scan the chip, get your information and contact you to let you know they have your lost pet!
Is microchipping safe?
Yes! While negative reactions to microchips can happen, they are extremely rare. The benefits greatly outweigh any potential risks. Since 1996, a database has been kept of reactions to microchips, and of the more than 4 million animals that have been chipped, less than .01% have reported adverse reactions.
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Microchipping-of-animals-FAQ.aspx
My pet has a medical reason that he can't be chipped – what should I do?
If there is a medical reason your pet cannot be microchipped, simply have your veterinarian write a letter certifying that the pet should be exempt from the ordinance due to health-related reasons. This will need to be provided as proof if requested.