As a responsible pet owner in Canada, ensuring your pet’s safety and legal compliance should be at the top of your priorities. One of the most effective ways to protect your pet—and ensure you’re on the right side of local regulations—is through pet microchipping. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about microchip laws for pets in Canada, how they work, what legal requirements you need to meet, and how North Care Animal Hospital in North Vancouver supports local and West Vancouver residents with professional, walk-in, and in-home microchipping services.
Whether you’re preparing for travel, adoption, or simply want to ensure peace of mind, understanding microchipping laws in Canada is essential.
What Is Pet Microchipping?
Pet microchipping is the process of implanting a small, rice-sized RFID (radio-frequency identification) chip beneath your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. This chip carries a unique identification number, which can be scanned and matched to your contact information in a central registry.
If your pet is ever lost or stolen, a microchip can be the fastest way to reunite you.
To learn more about how microchipping works and why it’s beneficial, visit our Pet Microchipping Services page.
Are Pet Microchips Mandatory in Canada?
Microchip laws in Canada vary by province and municipality, but there’s growing momentum across the country in making microchipping mandatory for dogs and cats. Here’s an overview of where the law stands:
Microchip Law Snapshot by Region (2025):
| Province/Territory | Mandatory for Dogs | Mandatory for Cats | Required for Pet Travel | Pet Adoption Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | No | No | Yes | Often Yes |
| Ontario | Yes (some cities) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Alberta | Yes (some cities) | No | Yes | Varies |
| Quebec | Yes (Montreal) | Yes (Montreal) | Yes | Yes |
| Manitoba | No | No | Yes | Optional |
| Saskatchewan | No | No | Yes | Optional |
As you can see, dog microchipping laws in Canada are more advanced in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary. Even where it’s not legally required, microchipping is often mandatory for adoption from registered shelters or required for international travel.
Why You Should Microchip Your Pet in British Columbia
Although pet microchipping in British Columbia is not mandatory in all municipalities, there are several reasons it’s strongly encouraged, especially in urban centers like North Vancouver and West Vancouver:
Municipal Licensing Compatibility: Some municipalities require a microchip to issue pet licenses.
Travel & Relocation Compliance: Whether you’re traveling abroad or moving provinces, a microchip is often required for pet import/export.
Shelter and Adoption Policies: Many adoption centers and shelters require microchipping before you take your pet home.
Permanent ID: Unlike collars or tags, microchips can’t fall off or be removed.
Microchipping and Pet Travel: Canada’s Requirements
If you plan to export or import a pet to or from Canada, microchipping is a crucial legal step. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires that dogs and cats entering the country must have an ISO-compliant microchip if they are coming from certain countries.
For pets leaving Canada, international regulations often demand a microchip before issuing health certificates. This makes it a critical component of pet travel preparation.
How to Register and Maintain Your Pet’s Microchip in Canada
Once your pet is microchipped at North Care Animal Hospital in North Vancouver, the next step is microchip registration. This process ensures your pet’s chip number is linked to your contact information in a national database.
Key Technical Steps:
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip is implanted
Information is entered into a national pet registry such as PetLink, 24PetWatch, or EIDAP
You must keep your information updated (especially after moving or changing phone numbers)
Failing to register your microchip—or update the registry—can render the chip useless.
Walk-In and Mobile Microchip Services in North & West Vancouver
At North Care Animal Hospital, we make pet microchipping in North Vancouver and West Vancouver simple and accessible:
✅ Walk-in microchipping: No appointment needed! Click here for walk-in services.
✅ In-home or mobile veterinary services: Our team can microchip your dog or cat in the comfort of your home. Explore mobile services.
We are conveniently located at:
1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101
North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S6
📞 604-984-1464
Open 7 days a week | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact us by email
Being so close to West Vancouver, we proudly serve clients from both cities.
Benefits of Choosing North Care Animal Hospital
Experienced Veterinary Team: Over 15 years of experience with microchip technology.
Extended Hours & Walk-In Availability: Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Mobile Services for Seniors and Busy Pet Owners: We bring microchipping to your door.
Convenient for West Vancouver Pet Owners: Just minutes away from West Vancouver.
Ready to Microchip Your Pet Today?
Don’t wait for an emergency to wish your pet had a microchip. Whether you live in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or nearby neighborhoods, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us now at 604-984-1464 to book your walk-in or mobile microchip appointment
🔗 Or learn more about our pet microchipping services
Your pet’s safety, security, and legal compliance are just a microchip away.
Stay Ahead with Legal Compliance and Pet Safety
Understanding microchip laws for pets in Canada not only protects you legally—it protects your pet’s life. With simple, affordable services at North Care Animal Hospital, there’s no reason to delay. From dog microchip laws in North Vancouver to pet export regulations, our team has the expertise to guide you through the process from start to finish.
Visit us in person, schedule an in-home service, or drop by as a walk-in—we’re here when you need us.