In an effort to keep pets out of shelters and with their families, Clark County is rolling out a new initiative to provide microchipping services for $5. The new program, in partnership with three local animal welfare organizations, comes in advance of the County’s mandatory pet microchipping requirement, which takes effect on August 4, 2025, for residents in unincorporated Clark County.
Clark County has committed $150,000 to bolster pet reunification efforts. To kickstart the program, the county has procured 10,000 microchips and partnered with Hearts Alive Village, Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, and Nevada SPCA—to provide microchipping implantation services.
“Microchipping plays a vital role in diverting animals from entering crowded shelters by helping them get back to their families quickly. Our goal is to ensure every lost pet has the best possible chance of returning home,” said Clark County Code Enforcement Chief Jim Andersen. “Microchipping is also a simple, effective tool that significantly increases the likelihood of a happy reunion. By offering low-cost options, we're making it easier for all pet owners to comply with the new rules and protect their pets.”
“This program is about more than compliance—it’s about compassion,” said County Commissioner April Becker. “It reflects our commitment to supporting responsible pet ownership while making compliance affordable and accessible for all residents. With the August 4 deadline approaching, we’re proud to offer a solution that promotes both animal welfare and peace of mind for pet owners.”
Commissioner Kirkpatrick agreed, saying, “We’re investing in fewer animals entering shelters, shorter stays for those that do, and quicker reunifications for families. We want every pet in unincorporated Clark County to have the best chance at staying with the people who love them, and this $5 microchip program helps make that possible.”
“Too many pets are ending up in our shelters and rescues because there is no way to identify where home is for them. By making microchipping mandatory and partnering with local non-profits to offer this service at low-cost, we’re making pet safety and animal well-being more accessible,” said Commissioner Naft.
Microchips are key to shelter diversion, providing permanent ID that quickly reunites lost pets with their families. By linking pets to up-to-date owner information, microchips keep animals out of crowded shelters, leading to faster, happier homecomings. When pets are found, shelters, veterinarians, and animal control officers can scan them and immediately contact their families— diverting and reducing shelter stays.
For pets already microchipped, officials urge owners to verify and update their contact information with the chip registry. Outdated information can delay or prevent reunification, even if the pet is chipped.
“We are so grateful to Clark County Animal Protection Services and our County Commission for not only making this essential component of animal welfare the law, but even more so, by providing resources so every pet in our community can get a microchip easily and inexpensively," says Lori Heeren, Nevada SPCA Executive Director. “Pet owners can sign up now at nevadaspca.org/pet-microchipping to schedule their $5 microchipping appointment every Wednesday afternoon at our shelter."
“A microchip can mean the difference between heartbreak and a happy reunion. We're honored to help families stay together by making this simple, lifesaving tool accessible to all,” said Christy Stevens, Hearts Alive Village Executive Director.
“Heaven Can Wait Animal Society is delighted to join our partners in helping deliver microchips to as many dogs and cats in Clark County as possible,” said Rachel Bergren, Heaven Can Wait Executive Director. “We’re proud to offer microchipping to our spay/neuter clients as well as through dedicated microchip-only appointments. We encourage pet owners to check our website and social media for upcoming microchip appointment dates and times starting in July.”
For more information about the microchipping requirement and to find a participating animal welfare organization participating in this program near you, visit www.clarkcountynv.gov/microchip.