Keeping Pets and Families Together Act

HR 3709, the Keeping Pets and Families Together Act, requires animal shelters (both public and private organizations contracted by local governments) to microchip dogs and cats before returning them to original owners, adopting them out, or transferring them to other shelters. The bill establishes a federal program that provides $5 million annually (2024-2028) through cooperative agreements to help these shelters implement microchipping. It mandates a 2028 report assessing the program's effectiveness and recommending whether to extend funding. This directly affects shelters that handle dog and cat adoptions or transfers, focusing on improving pet identification and reunification.