Thousands of Dog Owners Queue for Microchips in Chennai

Chennai: As the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) microchipping deadline of November 23 draws near, thousands of pet owners in Chennai are reported to be facing long lines, limited microchipping centres and technical issues on the registration portal. 

The microchipping drive is part of GCC’s broader mandate to make microchips mandatory for all pet dogs as a condition for license issuance. The move aims to improve pet tracking, ensure vaccination compliance, and strengthen public health measures. 

To support the drive, the GCC procured 2 lakh microchips and 80 RFID readers, spending INR 5.19 crore. The microchips are currently available free of cost at six GCC-run pet clinics, while private veterinary hospitals have also been authorised to provide the service, though their fees range from INR 500 to INR 3,000 per dog. 

Owners have voiced concern over overcrowding at the designated microchipping centers. According to reports, only six full-time centers are operating, leading to chaos and long waiting periods. Furthermore, many users say they are unable to update their microchip and vaccination information on the GCC’s online portal, leaving their license status “pending”despite completing the procedure in person. 

A notable mass response: more than 2,500 dogs were reportedly microchipped in a single day across seven GCC clinics, with some centers handling 600-700 dogs on Sunday. Officials have stated that while there is no immediate plan to extend the November 23 deadline, they may reconsider depending on the public demand and reported technical issues. 

According to veterinary officers involved in the drive, the microchips are not only meant for tracking, but also to store vital information such as the dog’s vaccination status, breed, and owner’s details, helping in stray management and ensuring better accountability. 

Pet-owner groups and welfare organisations have urged the GCC to continue expanding the number of microchipping centres, improve its online licensing interface, and provide more transparent information on the registration process. The coming days will likely determine whether the corporation modifies its approach or considers extending the compliance deadline.