Los Angeles Eyes Mandatory Microchipping to Combat Lost Pet Crisis

Los Angeles is considering a important step to reunite lost pets with their owners: mandatory microchipping. A City Council committee has advanced a proposal that could require all pets in the city to be microchipped, aiming to reduce overcrowding in animal shelters and improve return-to-home rates.

The Push for Microchipping: A Breakdown

The Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee voted 2-0 to move forward with a report exploring the potential policy. The proposal now heads to the City Council for further consideration. This initiative emerges as a proactive measure to address the persistent challenge of lost and unclaimed animals in Los Angeles.

The potential mandate has sparked discussions about the resources required for effective implementation.

Curtis Watts, assistant general manager for the Department of Animal Services, stated, “To make microchipping a requirement, the department would need to increase all staff levels that’s in medical, shelter, animal care, field, enforcement and administrative.”

Watts also suggested that, “a pilot program would be beneficial to increase community education and awareness of the benefits of microchipping.” This highlights the importance of public understanding and acceptance for the success of any mandatory microchipping program.

Current Microchipping Efforts and Costs

The Department of Animal Services currently offers microchipping for $15, utilizing grant funding to assist low-income residents. Animals adopted from city shelters are already microchipped and registered.

microchipping Statistics in Los Angeles

• Estimated total pets in Los Angeles households: 2.4 million (Michelson Found Animals data)
• Percentage of pets currently microchipped: Roughly 25% (600,000 pets)
• Estimated number of unchipped pets: 1.8 million

These figures underscore the scale of the challenge and the potential impact of a mandatory microchipping policy.

Los Angeles County’s Existing Microchipping Rules

Los angeles County already mandates microchipping for dogs and cats four months or older. Pet owners must provide the microchip number to the county’s Department of Animal Care and Control and notify the department of any changes in ownership, address, or telephone number.

The county offers bi-weekly vaccination clinics where microchips are available for $7.50, but this price does not include microchip registration.

Despite the presence of this policy, the county’s return-to-home rate is only 11%, indicating that microchipping is just one piece of the puzzle. Consistent registration and updated contact information are critical aspects of a successful microchipping program.

Lessons from Other Regions: Dallas and Washoe County

dallas has integrated microchipping as a replacement for traditional pet licensing, streamlining the process of pet identification and registration.

Washoe County, Nevada, offers an encouraging example of the effectiveness of microchipping programs. According to a LAAS report, the county spent $8,100 on microchips in fiscal year 2023. the investment resulted in reduced intake and shorter stays for pets in shelters. Data showed Washoe County’s return-to-home rate for dogs at 67% in 2023 due to field officers scanning and returning pets directly to their owners.

“Data showed that the up-front expenditures on microchips were recovered by reducing intake and length of stay for pets arriving at animal shelters,” the LAAS report stated.

Key Considerations for Los Angeles

The LAAS report emphasized that a microchip policy should “avoid punitive measures.”

The report also mentioned that “If the city of Los Angeles were to implement such a program, the microchips must be both affordable and widely accessible, with staff trained to implant them.”

This highlights the importance of affordable microchipping services and accessibility for all pet owners, regardless of socioeconomic status.

• Affordability: Ensuring that the cost of microchipping is not a barrier for pet owners.
• Accessibility: Providing convenient locations and times for microchipping services.
• Training: Equipping staff with the necesary skills to safely and effectively implant microchips.

The Path Forward

Los Angeles’s potential move toward mandatory microchipping represents a significant step towards responsible pet ownership and improved animal welfare. By learning from the experiences of other regions and addressing the key considerations outlined in the LAAS report, the city can create a program that benefits both pets and their owners. The goal is to boost return-to-home rates and decrease the load on animal shelters.

Are you a pet owner in Los Angeles? Make sure your pet is microchipped and that your contact information is up-to-date! Consider this proactive measure to ensure a quicker reunion if your beloved animal ever goes missing.