Own a dog in Chennai? Microchip it soon or risk a fine; door-to-door survey coming

Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is gearing up to launch a door-to-door survey to identify pet dogs that have not been licensed or microchipped. The move aims to strengthen pet regulation, improve animal welfare, and curb the rising number of pet abandonment cases across the city.

Officials said a formal resolution seeking approval for the survey will be tabled at the upcoming Corporation Council meeting. Once cleared, survey teams will begin household visits to verify pet licenses, vaccination records, and microchip details. Dog owners found without valid registrations will be given a grace period to comply before fines are imposed.

What is microchipping and how is it done?

Microchipping is a permanent method of electronic identification for pets. A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a quick and virtually painless injection. Each chip carries a unique identification number that can be scanned by veterinarians or civic officials.

This ID links to the owner’s details in a central database, allowing authorities to easily trace lost pets, verify vaccination and license records, and ensure responsible ownership.

Why the move was needed

Earlier this month, GCC made microchipping mandatory for all pet dogs while launching its upgraded online pet registration portal on October 3. However, the response from the public has been disappointing, with only around 120 pet owners registering so far.

Pet owners found without valid licenses will be asked to regularise their pets within a stipulated time before penalties are imposed. The measure is part of a broader effort to improve animal welfare and ensure public safety by maintaining accurate records of the city’s pet population.

Officials say the new door-to-door drive is meant to bridge that gap by reaching out directly to residents and spreading awareness about the process.

The decision also comes against the backdrop of a surge in pet abandonment, particularly of foreign dog breeds, across Chennai’s streets and beaches. Animal welfare groups have cited financial strain and lack of experience in handling imported breeds as major causes.

They have welcomed GCC’s renewed focus on regulation but stressed the importance of awareness campaigns alongside enforcement. They also stated that collaboration between GCC officials and volunteers will be crucial during vaccination and sterilisation drives.

Stray dogs to remain under existing programmes

Civic officials have clarified that the new rule applies only to domestic pets, not stray dogs. Street dogs will continue to be covered under GCC’s existing vaccination and birth control programmes.