Keeping Pets and Families Together Act
Key claim: The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with state and local governments to fund microchipping for dogs and cats in animal pounds and shelters prior to adoption, release, or transfer.
Abstract
(HR3709 · 118th Congress) Keeping Pets and Families Together Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to support microchipping of dogs and cats in the care of pounds or shelters. Under the program, USDA must enter into cooperative agreements with state and local governments to support the capability of pounds or shelters to provide for microchipping of dogs and cats in their care before allowing them to be recovered by their owners, adopted by other individuals, or transferred to another shelter or rescue organization. Latest action (2023-06-23): Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Why this matters
The proposal would give USDA a funding role in shelter pet identification, supporting state and local microchipping programs that affect shelters and households adopting or reclaiming pets. It remains introduced, and the finding establishes no direct effect on farmers or food prices and no measured change in household costs or pet reunification outcomes.