Microchip

A dog getting scanned for a microchip.

Microchips are required for pets in the City of Waco. Free options are available for Waco residents by emailing PALS@PetCircleWaco.org or calling (254) 750-7099.

If you find a lost/stray animal in your area, you can have them scanned for a microchip at any Waco Fire Station (see locations). Instructions for next steps will be given to you there.

Have a Scanner?

Diagram of a dog's back showing the direction of movement for a microchip scanner.

Hold the scanner close to, or touching the animal.

Scan slowly and repeatedly over the entire body to ensure whether or not a microchip is present. Wave the scanner back and forth lightly while scanning, because microchips can be in various locations within the animal. Scan first in a horizontal, then a vertical "S" pattern down the animal's body, as shown in the diagram. Consider scanning each animal more than once to ensure any present microchip can be localized by the scanner

Microchip Guide (Brand/Format/Contact)

Datamars, PetLink: 981xxxxxxxxxxxx, 1-877-738-5465
HomeAgain: 985xxxxxxxxxxx or FDX-Axxxxxxxxxx, 1-888-466-3242
AVID: xxx*xxx*xxx or xxxxxxxxxx or 977xxxxxxxxxx, 1800-336-2843
24PetWatch: 982xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 1-866-597-2424
AKC/CAR: 956xxxxxxxxxxxxx or 00xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, 1-800-252-7894
Banfield: 98101000xxxxxxxxxxx or 0D0Dxxxxxxxxx, 1-877-567-8738

Reminders

Any animals picked up by an Animal Care Officer are transported to the Animal Shelter at 2032 Circle Road in Waco and placed on a 72 hour stray animal hold*. Animals reclaimed within that time period are FREE to reclaim.

Citations may also be issued for various Class “C” misdemeanor infractions of the animal ordinances. These fines are set by Municipal Court.

Microchipping Options

(Subject to change. Please call first.)

  • When a pet gets a new owner, it is the previous owner’s responsibility to make sure that new owner updates the pet’s microchip owner contact information. This can be done by contacting the microchip company (i.e., HomeAgain, 24PetWatch, Avid, ResQ, etc).
  • Residents may have their pet microchipped at their pet’s full-service veterinarian.
  • Low-cost microchip providers in McLennan County: Animal Birth Control Clinic ($25).
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