CA AB2723

Owner or new owner of a dog or cat must be registered as the primary owner with the microchip registry company; the animal control agency, shelter, or rescue group cannot be listed as primary owner.

Agency, shelter, or group must document and retain records for at least two years of all efforts made to contact a preexisting microchip's primary registrant or demonstrated owner before releasing or adopting out a dog or cat.

Agency, shelter, or group must provide information on microchip transference of ownership including microchip company details, microchip number, and instructions for new owners to register themselves as primary contact upon adoption or transfer.

Dogs and cats temporarily housed under emergency evacuation orders are exempt from microchipping requirements.

Civil penalty of $100 applies to violations on or after January 1, 2022, unless the agency, shelter, or group lacks on-location microchipping capability and obtains a signed 30-day agreement from the owner or new owner.