Update (9/22/2020): Governor Newsom signed SB 573.
Paws Up!
September 17, 2020
To the California State Legislature for passing Senate Bill 573.
Every year millions of beloved companion animals go missing. Thankfully, social media and lost pet websites have made it easy to alert others that your treasured Buddy or Whiskers is missing. Microchipping your cat or dog and keeping it updated increases your chances of being reunited with your lost companion. A study completed by Ohio State University’s Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine revealed that 73% of owners were found because their pets had microchips.
At the beginning of 2020, California Senator Ling Ling Chang introduced Senate Bill 573 to require animal control agencies, animal humane societies, animal rescues, and animal shelters to microchip any homeless cats or dogs if an owner is not found. SB 573 includes exemptions for animals who have medical conditions and for owners who reclaim their pets and cannot afford the microchipping fee. In the latter case, the owner would need to sign a document stating the cost would be a hardship. If passed, SB 573 will go into effect on January 1, 2022. Any violations will result in a $100 fine. Currently, it is waiting for Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature.
Take Action: If your pet has a microchip, take the time to make sure your current contact information is listed. If your pet does not have a microchip, ask your veterinarian for more information about microchipping.