Kathmandu, April 28 — Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a campaign to make microchipping mandatory for pet dogs and cats, aiming to enhance the safety and management of household animals. The initiative comes amid growing complaints about lost and stolen pets being reported to the metropolitan office.
According to KMC, microchipping provides a permanent means of identifying pets, significantly increasing the chances of reuniting lost animals with their owners. The process is described as quick, safe, and affordable.
The metropolitan city has implemented the “Dog/Cat Management, Control, and Registration Procedure, 2079,” under which the registration of all pet dogs and cats within the city limits is compulsory. In accordance with this procedure, KMC has officially begun its Dog/Cat Registration and Microchipping Program.
As per the ‘Economic Act 2081,’ registration is free for community dogs and cats of Nepali breeds when registered under an individual’s name at the ward office. However, owners of foreign-breed dogs and cats must pay a service fee of NPR 2,000 per animal.
The procedure further mandates that pet owners are responsible for microchipping their animals and registering them at their respective ward offices. In cases of death, transfer, or loss of a microchipped pet, owners must notify the ward office within seven days.
Officials emphasized the importance of microchipping in ensuring the permanent identification of pets, making the recovery of lost animals easier and more efficient. They urged pet owners to microchip all dogs above eight weeks of age and stressed that pets must also be microchipped before being sold or transferred to new owners.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has called on all residents to actively participate in the campaign to better safeguard their beloved pets.
