Is the Microchip-Only Pet Licensing Model Working for Your Municipality?

At last week's Texas Unites conference, I had the opportunity to speak with lots of folks about pet licensing, including many whose municipality has transitioned away from traditional tag-based pet licensing in favor of a microchip-only model. The idea is compelling: simplify lost pet recovery with a single, permanent form of identification, and reduce administrative workload. 

However, many of these communities are now re-evaluating the results—and with good reason. They've reported no significant improvement in lost pet return rates, a drop in vaccine compliance (still a legal requirement under state law), and a noticeable decline in revenue. 

The good news? These issues aren’t signs that the microchip-only model can’t work. Rather, they point to a need for a more structured and proactive approach. With the right framework, microchip-only licensing can be both efficient and effective for municipalities and pet owners alike. 

✅ Microchips: A Strong Foundation 

Microchips offer clear advantages: 

• Permanent, tamper-proof identification 

• Streamlined intake at shelters and vet clinics 

• No lost tags or replacement issues 

• Reduced material and processing costs 

But the microchip-only model isn't a “set it and forget it” solution. Without active participation from pet owners—and a simple way to engage them—communities risk losing the benefits they hoped to gain. 

⚠️ What’s Missing in the Current Model? 

For municipalities adopting microchip-only programs, it’s essential to remember that microchipping is just the first step. To maintain compliance and improve outcomes, pet owners must: 

• Register the microchip with the municipality (not just with the manufacturer) 

• Stay current on rabies vaccinations and submit proof per state law 

• Keep contact information updated, so microchips actually lead to reunions 

Many programs are experiencing challenges because pet owners aren’t consistently following through on these steps—often due to a lack of clear communication and easy-to-use tools. 

🔄 A Shift in Perspective: Treat It Like a Lifetime License 

One solution is to reframe microchip-only licensing as a lifetime license. Here’s how it works: 

• Charge a one-time registration fee per pet 

• Require ongoing vaccine compliance to keep the license active 

• Use vaccine renewal cycles (1–3 years) to prompt pet owners to update their contact details 

This approach reduces administrative burden while encouraging long-term compliance. However, to make this sustainable, municipalities need tools to manage this efficiently. 

💡 How BarkPass Simplifies Microchip-Only Licensing 

BarkPass is designed to easily support this type of program. It helps municipalities modernize pet licensing and keep pet owners engaged—without increasing staff workload. 

With BarkPass, your municipality can: 

• ✅ Register microchips directly through a digital portal—no forms, no office visits 

• 📋 Track and verify vaccine records, ensuring compliance with local and state laws 

• 🔄 Enable pet owners to update their contact information in real time 

• 📈 Maintain a reliable, centralized registry of pets in your community 

It’s a cost-effective, easy-to-implement solution that puts municipalities back in control of their pet licensing program—while offering a seamless experience for residents. 

🐕 Embrace the Benefits of a Modern Approach 

Microchip-only licensing can deliver on its promise—but only with the right structure in place. When municipalities treat the program as a dynamic, ongoing process rather than a one-time action, they see better compliance, improved lost pet recovery, and continued community trust. 

With BarkPass, municipalities gain the tools to manage microchip-only programs effectively, ensuring that pets stay protected, residents stay informed, and your community benefits from a healthier, safer pet population. 

Ready to strengthen your microchip-only program?  Let’s make sure it works as intended—for pets, for residents, and for your municipality. click here for more information or contact BarkPass at sales@barkpass.com.