Baguio sets microchips on dogs to trace stolen canines

By Gaby Keith

BAGUIO CITY Want to give “man’s best friend” a bit more protection in case they get lost or stolen?

The mandatory installation of microchip tags on dogs will start this November.

ity Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) chief Dr. Bridgit Piok bared this during the City Hall flag-raising program.

She said, installation of microchips is mandatory for pets that are three-months old or over.

The microchip tagging of dogs is pursuant to Ordinance No. 60-2020. It establishes easier ownership tracking of dogs; protection of pets from theft; monitoring schedule of anti-rabies jabs; and, establishing accountability of pet-owners, among others.

The micro tag which rests under the dog’s skin holds information on the owner’s name, address, contacts, and description of the canine.

It costs P300 per dog and may be administered in barangays during scheduled mass tagging activities or at the CVAO.  

A registration certificate shall then be issued after the dog had been microchipped. It is a permanent record that lasts until the dog’s lifetime, unless there a change of ownership.

When the dog passes, the owner is required to inform the barangay or CVAO within five days. 

In changes of ownership, the new owner must report the same within a period not exceeding ten days. Registration by the new owner costs P250.

Under the ordinance, Piok revealed, absence of the chip on a dog three-months old or over violates Ordinance No. 60-2020. A fine of P2,000 shall be imposed upon the owner.

A fine of P2,000 is likewise imposed upon owners of stray pooches.

She said, any person who releases an impounded dog without it having been micro-tagged or without fees or fines having been paid by the owner shall be fined P1,000, over possible administrative or criminal charges.

The ordinance imposes an impounding fee of P500 per dog; maintenance fee of P50 per dog per day; and, adoption fee of P500 per dog, she added.

Piok disclosed, within three-days, unclaimed dogs at the city pound may be put up for adoption; or, donated for scientific studies; or, put down.