Village of Ruidoso Updated Pet Ordinance

Have a dog or a cat? The Village of Ruidoso no longer requires licensing for pets. While vaccines are still required, licenses are not. A new Ordinance 2023-02, in effect as of January 10, 2023, to help protect and identify your pet if lost requires that all dogs and cats be microchipped and applies to anyone living within the Village limits who owns or cares for a cat or dog.

Microchips are a pet’s ticket home because all their information is kept in a registration database. It allows officials to locate you quickly if your pet is found. When an animal is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, one of the first things they do is scan the animal for a microchip. If they find a microchip, and if the microchip registry has accurate information, they can quickly find the animal's owner.

How effective are microchips? Dogs with microchips are 2.5x more likely to be returned home. Cats with microchips are 20x more likely to be returned home. Learn more >>

For a limited time, the Humane Society of Lincoln County will microchip pets for $15 through April 30, 2023. 

Microchips are also implanted in dogs and cats by veterinarians, pet care stores such as petco, and breeders.