CA SB573

Public animal control agencies, shelters, societies for prevention of cruelty to animals shelters, humane society shelters, and rescue groups must microchip dogs and cats before releasing them to owners or adopting them out, effective January 1, 2022

Agencies without on-site microchipping capability must obtain signed agreements requiring owners to provide proof of microchipping within 30 days and must provide information about available free or discounted regional microchipping services

Exemptions apply if a licensed veterinarian certifies the animal is medically unfit for microchipping or if the owner signs a form declaring economic hardship from the microchipping cost

Violations on or after January 1, 2022 are subject to a $100 civil penalty, except agencies without microchipping capability that obtain the required agreement are exempt from the penalty

Microchip registration with registry companies cannot require personal information sharing beyond what is needed to reunite owners with their animals without explicit consent