Resources
Microchip Information
What is a Microchip?
A microchip, or "chip" is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip itself is very small - about the size of a grain of rice - and is implanted subcutaneously (just under the skin) between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet's neck.
Each chip has a unique series of numbers/letters that is detected using a microchip scanner. There is no other information on the chip. Think of this like the VIN on your vehicle.
In order to be useful, the chip number and owner information has to be registered, either with the chip manufacturer or another registry. Think of this like the registration on your vehicle. A chip registered to you can act as proof of ownership. Sometimes a clinic or shelter that implants the chip will register the chip, but often they leave it up to the owner. Make sure that your pet's chip is registered in your name and that your contact information is kept up to date.
I Found a Pet with a Chip, Now What?
If you found a pet and had the pet scanned, you can put the chip number into the Microchip Lookup Tool. If the chip is registered, then the owner should be alerted by the chip registry that their pet was found. If the chip is not registered, the information is outdated, or there is confusion about the actual owner (person claiming ownership is not the person on the chip), you can contact Chico Animal Shelter to assist you. The animal may need to come to the shelter while the chip is sorted out and legal notification is sent.
My Pet Is Chipped, but the Chip is Not Registered
After looking up your pets chip, you can register the chip with the chip manufacturer. There may be a fee for registration, either on-time, or annually.
My Pet isn't Chipped, I'm Not Sure if My Pet is Chipped or I Don't Know the Chip Number
We can help! Call the Chico Animal Shelter at 530-894-5630 to make an appointment to have your pet scanned for a chip. If there is a chip, we can check to see if the chip is registered and give you the chip number so you can register or update your information. If your pet is not chipped, we can microchip your pet and help with registration.
My Pet is Missing
If your pet's chip is registered, let the registry know the pet is missing so they can flag the chip, and make sure your contact information is up to date. If you don't have the chip number or know if the chip is registered, you may be able to get more information fron the shelter or clinic where the pet was chipped. They may be able to give you the chip number and tell you if the chip is registered. You can still register the chip if your pet is missing, and have the chip flagged.
Pet Pals Microchip Reading
Pet Pals Program - Help Pets Get Back Home!
The purpose of the Pet Pals Program is to give the community the tools needed to help reunite pets with their owners "in the field" before they are taken to the shelter. One of the most effective ways to do this is to check for a microchip, followed by checking social media for lost pets.
We are looking for a mix of individuals and businesses who are willing to assist the public with scanning lost pets for a microchip and helping reunite pets with their families. Training and support will be provided for those selected to participate in the program. If you would like to become a Pet Pal, either at home or through your business, please contact the Chico Animal Shelter at chicoanimalshelter@yahoo.com to request an application.
As a Pet Pal, members of the public may contact you to have a found pet scanned for a microchip and for help reuniting a pet with its family.
Find an active Pet Pal who can scan a found animal and check social media to help reunite the animal with it's owners.
Re-homing a Pet
Making the Decision
Deciding to give up a pet that has been a part of your family can be a difficult and emotional experience for both you and your pet. Whatever your reason may be, you owe it to your pet to consider all your options and choose the one that is best for both of you. Below are some common reasons people consider re-homing their pets and some suggestions as to how you may be able to keep the animal in that situation.
- Moving - Often times pet owners give up too easily when looking for housing that will allow them to keep their pets. Be flexible but persistent, and refer to pet-friendly housing directories. Build a "pet résumé" with items such as medical records, training certificates, and reference letters to show your potential landlord you are a responsible owner with a well-behaved pet. Below are some links to pet friendly housing in Chico:
- Behavior Problems - Many behavior issues can be solved by training, either in the home or with professional classes. Research positive reinforcement training methods on the Internet or in a library. Shelter staff can also provide resources.
- Allergies - Consult a physician before assuming an allergic reaction is caused by your pet. If keeping the animal will not seriously risk a person's health, making small changes such as using a humidifier or keeping the pet out of the bedroom may help manage the symptoms. Many owners find the benefits of having a pet outweigh the inconveniences of allergies.
- Medical Issues - If your pet has an illness or injury and the cost of treatment is more than you can afford, first talk to your vet to see if there is an alternative treatment that is less expensive, or tests that can wait.
Before contacting the Chico Animal Shelter, consider some of the other options that may be available. Finding a new home won't happen overnight and it is very important to give yourself adequate time to find an appropriate placement. It may take weeks, or even months to re-home your pet. Re-homing your pet yourself is best because you know you pet better than anyone. You can screen for the best home and potentially stay in touch with the new owner. Below are suggestions on ways to find a home for the pet yourself:
The shelter should be used as your last resort, only when all other options have been exhausted. As of February 1, 2013 the City of Chico Animal Shelter does not accept surrendered cats. If you need to surrender your cat, please contact the Butte Humane Society or Chico Cat Coalition.- Where You Adopted the Pet - If your pet was adopted from a breeder or a rescue group, you may have signed a contract that requires you to return the animal if you can no longer keep it. Even if this is not the case, the person or organization you got the pet from may be able to help, or be willing to take the animal back.
- Rescue Groups - Rescue groups are private, volunteer organizations that often specialize in a specific breed, smaller dogs, specific types of pets, or do general pet rescue. Sometimes there is a waiting list to get your pet into a rescue, but often they have people already waiting to adopt a pet and may be able to match your pet to a new home right away.
- Your Veterinarian - Your veterinarian not only knows your pet but may also know of a client that has recently lost a pet or is looking to add another pet to their family.
- Friends or Family - A friend or family member may also be familiar with your pet, and may even be willing to care for your pet for a period of time if the circumstances for needing to rehome are just temporary.
- Temporary Foster Home - If the reason you have to give up your pet is short term, consider trying to find a temporary foster home.
- Euthanasia - Pets that have medical or behavior issues can be very difficult to place in a new home and older pets that have been with the same family most of their lives often have a hard time readjusting. In these cases, the most humane option may be to consult your veterinarian and discuss having the animal humanely put to sleep. These animals are less likely to kennel well in a shelter environment and with limited shelter resources, euthanasia may still be the end result. It is less stressful for the animal if you are there for support in the end.
Surrendering to the Shelter
The City of Chico Animal Shelter accepts DOGS from owners living within Chico city limits. Please call to have your dog put on the waiting list and we will call you when there is space at the shelter. Please call as soon as you think you might have to surrender your pet, and don't wait until the last minute as there might not be a space available right away. Please bring all your pet's medical records at the time of surrender. There is no required surrender fee, however donations of any size are gratefully accepted.
Fee Schedule
Adoption Fees:
This is the fee for adopting an animal through the City of Chico Animal Shelter. The fee includes a heart-worm or Felv/FIV test, a microchip, and a rabies vaccination if old enough. All dogs, cat and rabbits must be spayed or neutered if not already done.
Cat adoption fee: $49.00 + $21.00 Co-Pay (Kittens and cats up to 8 years old.)
$49.00 (Cats over 8 years old.)
Dog adoption fee: $59.00 + $50 Co-Pay
Small animal adoption fee: $13.50 (+$50 Co-Pay for Rabbits $50)
Cardboard Cat Carrier: $5.00
Impound Fees:
This fee is for an animal that is picked up as a stray. The fee increases each time the animal is picked up during a one year period starting July 1st and ending June 30th. If a dog is picked up in May, it would be considered a first impound. If he is picked up again in July, it would also be counted as a first impound. But if he is picked up again in February, that would be considered a second impound.
Dogs/Cats: Other:
First Impound: $46.50 $18.50
Second Impound: $65.00 $28.00
Third Impound: $84.00 $34.50
Spay/Neuter Fine:
If your dog or cat is not spayed or neutered at the time of impound, there is an additional spay/neuter fine that is added to the impound and board fees. This fee is over the lifetime of the animal, and does not reset annually like the impound fees.
First: $35.00
Second: $50.00
Additional: $100.00
This is the fee for adopting an animal through the City of Chico Animal Shelter. The fee includes a heart-worm or Felv/FIV test, a microchip, and a rabies vaccination if old enough. All dogs, cat and rabbits must be spayed or neutered if not already done.
Cat adoption fee: $49.00 + $21.00 Co-Pay (Kittens and cats up to 8 years old.)
$49.00 (Cats over 8 years old.)
Dog adoption fee: $59.00 + $50 Co-Pay
Small animal adoption fee: $13.50 (+$50 Co-Pay for Rabbits $50)
Cardboard Cat Carrier: $5.00
Impound Fees:
This fee is for an animal that is picked up as a stray. The fee increases each time the animal is picked up during a one year period starting July 1st and ending June 30th. If a dog is picked up in May, it would be considered a first impound. If he is picked up again in July, it would also be counted as a first impound. But if he is picked up again in February, that would be considered a second impound.
Dogs/Cats: Other:
First Impound: $46.50 $18.50
Second Impound: $65.00 $28.00
Third Impound: $84.00 $34.50
Spay/Neuter Fine:
If your dog or cat is not spayed or neutered at the time of impound, there is an additional spay/neuter fine that is added to the impound and board fees. This fee is over the lifetime of the animal, and does not reset annually like the impound fees.
First: $35.00
Second: $50.00
Additional: $100.00
Board*:
This fee covers the feeding and care of the animal while it is at the shelter. The owner is charged $15.00 for the first 24 hours (or portion thereof) an animal is at the shelter, then and additional $15.00 each night the animal is here.
Board: $15.00
*NOTE: We do not provide boarding services for owned animals.
Quarantine:
The Chico Animal Shelter offers a low-cost quarantine option for animals that are owned by city of Chico residents. Animals are not required to be quarantined at the shelter, and the owner may quarantine their animal at a veterinarian of their choice. Animals that are quarantined at the shelter are charged board for each night at the facility. Other fees may apply if the animal was brought in as a stray.
Quarantine: $15.00/night
This fee covers the feeding and care of the animal while it is at the shelter. The owner is charged $15.00 for the first 24 hours (or portion thereof) an animal is at the shelter, then and additional $15.00 each night the animal is here.
Board: $15.00
*NOTE: We do not provide boarding services for owned animals.
Quarantine:
The Chico Animal Shelter offers a low-cost quarantine option for animals that are owned by city of Chico residents. Animals are not required to be quarantined at the shelter, and the owner may quarantine their animal at a veterinarian of their choice. Animals that are quarantined at the shelter are charged board for each night at the facility. Other fees may apply if the animal was brought in as a stray.
Quarantine: $15.00/night
Licensing:
City of Chico residents can purchase a dog license at the Chico Animal Shelter, or through Chico's online licensing portal.
City of Chico residents can purchase a dog license at the Chico Animal Shelter, or through Chico's online licensing portal.
City of Chico: Altered Unaltered
1 Year $22.50 $45.00
2 Year $38.50 $79.00
3 Year $49.50 $101.50
Late fee: $20.50
Tag replacement: $11.00
Transfer of ownership: $5.00
1 Year $22.50 $45.00
2 Year $38.50 $79.00
3 Year $49.50 $101.50
Late fee: $20.50
Tag replacement: $11.00
Transfer of ownership: $5.00
Microchip:
Microchip includes free lifetime registration and information updates.
Microchipping: NO FEE for City of Chico residents
Animal Euthanasia:
We offer low cost euthanasia services to City of Chico residents. The service is provided by appointment only.
Under 50 lbs. $31.50
50-100 lbs. $37.00
100-200 lbs. $45.00
Over 200 lbs. $45.00
Microchip includes free lifetime registration and information updates.
Microchipping: NO FEE for City of Chico residents
Animal Euthanasia:
We offer low cost euthanasia services to City of Chico residents. The service is provided by appointment only.
Under 50 lbs. $31.50
50-100 lbs. $37.00
100-200 lbs. $45.00
Over 200 lbs. $45.00
Animal Disposal:
The Chico Animal Shelter offers low cost disposal for your pet.
All animal disposal is handled by Koefran, located in Sacramento.
The Chico Animal Shelter offers low cost disposal for your pet.
All animal disposal is handled by Koefran, located in Sacramento.
Standard Disposal:
Unless otherwise specified, animals are provided a group burial.
Cats, Dogs, Other $30.50
Livestock $122.00
Animal Cremation:
There are two types of cremation offered.
Group Cremation:
Several animals are cremated at the same time. Ashes are not returned.
0-15 lbs. $36.50
Over 15 lbs. $42.50
Private Cremation:
Ashes are returned in a cedar urn, which can be engraved for an additional fee.
0-2 lbs. $73.50
3-49 lbs. $128.50
50-99 lbs. $163.50
100 lbs. and over $248.50
Laser Urn Engraving:
First two Lines $25.00
Each Additional Line $10.00
Optional Pet Paw Print:
Paw Print and Easel Stand $69.00
Unless otherwise specified, animals are provided a group burial.
Cats, Dogs, Other $30.50
Livestock $122.00
Animal Cremation:
There are two types of cremation offered.
Group Cremation:
Several animals are cremated at the same time. Ashes are not returned.
0-15 lbs. $36.50
Over 15 lbs. $42.50
Private Cremation:
Ashes are returned in a cedar urn, which can be engraved for an additional fee.
0-2 lbs. $73.50
3-49 lbs. $128.50
50-99 lbs. $163.50
100 lbs. and over $248.50
Laser Urn Engraving:
First two Lines $25.00
Each Additional Line $10.00
Optional Pet Paw Print:
Paw Print and Easel Stand $69.00
