Keeping Pets and Families Together Act

“28A. Cooperative agreements to support microchipping of dogs and cats

“(a) In general—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary will enter into cooperative agreements with State and local governments for purposes of supporting the capability of entities described in subsection (b) to provide for microchipping of dogs and cats in their care before allowing such dogs or cats to be recovered by their original owner, adopted by other individuals, or transferred to another animal shelter or rescue organization.

“(b) Entities described—An entity described in this subsection is—

“(1) each pound or shelter owned and operated by a State or a unit of local government; and

“(2) each private entity established for the purpose of caring for animals, such as a humane society, or other organization that is under contract with a State or a unit of local government that operates as a pound or shelter and that releases animals on a voluntary basis.

“(c) Unit of local government defined—In this section, the term “unit of local government” means a county, municipality, town, township, village, or other unit of general government below the State level;

“(d) Authorization of appropriations—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.”