The town of Gilbert is now in line with Lexington County's animal control ordinance.

Gilbert residents must have their dogs microchipped, according to new town regulations, and the selling or rehoming of dogs is now more limited.

Under this ordinance, locals can no longer sell or rehome puppies or dogs, whether for a fee or free of charge, unless the animals are recognized with “Fancier” breeder resignation.  A Fancier breeder is someone who follows specific breeding standards aimed at promoting more pet-owning responsibility.

The new regulations also prohibit the sale or rehoming of pets at flea markets unless the seller meets the standards set for Fancier breeders.

The ordinance mandates that all dogs must be microchipped with the owner’s contact information—name, phone number and address. The average cost to microchip a dog is between $25-$60, but it depends where you get the procedure done.

It’s a fairly simple process, Brittany Jones, chief officer of Lexington County’s Animal Control Center, told the Chronicle earlier this year. She said the injection “only takes a few seconds” and involves a tiny chip that does not impose much pain. She said the county’s shelters can provide the implant for a cost of $10.