Dear Citizens of Dickinson,

We are excited to announce a new ordinance that will greatly enhance the safety and well-being of our beloved pets in Dickinson. Effective May 28, 2024, all domesticated animals in our community will be required to have a microchip for identification.

Microchipping is a simple, safe, and permanent way to ensure that pets can be quickly and accurately identified if they become lost. This tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted just under the skin and contains a unique identification number linked to the owner's contact information. Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, a microchip provides a reliable means of identification that lasts a lifetime.

This new ordinance aims to:

  1. Increase Return-to-Owner Rates: Pets with microchips have a much higher chance of being reunited with their owners if they become lost. This reduces the number of animals that end up in shelters and allows more resources to be directed toward those truly in need.

  2. Enhance Public Safety: Accurate pet identification helps prevent the spread of rabies and other communicable diseases by ensuring that all pets are properly vaccinated and accounted for.

  3. Reduce Stray Animal Population: By making it easier to identify and return pets to their owners, we can help reduce the number of stray animals on our streets.

To help our community comply with this new ordinance, Bayou Animal Services will be hosting several free microchipping clinics throughout the year. Additionally, many local veterinarians and pet stores offer microchipping services. We encourage all pet owners to take advantage of these resources to ensure their pets are properly microchipped and their contact information is up-to-date.

We understand that change can be challenging, but the benefits of this ordinance far outweigh any inconvenience. Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate community for our furry friends.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 281-337-3117 or BAS-INFO@dickinsontexas.gov.

Respectfully,

Nina Baker
Shelter Manager/Director of Happiness
Bayou Animal Services

Mandatory Microchip Ordinance